Brown confirms NASCAR Cup Series debut

Supercars championship leader Will Brown has confirmed he will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut, with the Triple Eight driver to race against Cam Waters.

Brown will steer a Richard Childress Racing Camaro at Sonoma Raceway on June 9, a week before the betr Darwin Triple Crown.

The Red Bull Ampol Racing star will compete against Supercars rival Waters, who yesterday confirmed he will race a RFK Racing Ford Mustang at the California circuit.

Tickford star Waters had made two solid outings in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in recent months, racing at Martinsville and Kansas.

Brown and Waters have both revealed their deals in the lead-up to this weekend's Perth round, with the former leading the championship by 71 points over teammate Broc Feeney.

Some of Brown’s recent partners will also support his NASCAR entry, including MobileX – owned by Boost Mobile co-founder Peter Adderton – and Shaw & Partners Financial Services.

Last year, RCR entered Supercars star Brodie Kostecki in the NASCAR Cup race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.

Brown is no stranger to RCR, having competed with the team's Cup drivers, Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch, in a World Racing League event at Circuit of the Americas last December.

"Absolutely incredible opportunity to be able to head stateside and race at the highest level in America with Richard Childress Racing,” Brown posted to social media.

"I’ve got some great sponsors that have supported me for a long time in Australia and MobileX, Motorola & Shaw and Partners Financial Services are joining us for the race. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them."

In an extended interview with Motorsport.com, Brown cited the influence of Shane van Gisbergen, who "opened that door for a lot of people" to compete in NASCAR following the Kiwi's stunning win on debut in Chicago last July.

“It’s awesome to come over here and test yourself against the best in America and the best in the world as well,” Brown said.

“So, you know we’re sort of over on our side of the world and we’re very competitive.

“But it’s not until you head overseas do you know what sort of level you’re at. So, for me, it’s about doing that.

“So, hopefully, it opens up a few a few doors to be able to do that next.”

RCR owner Childress, in the same article, sung Brown's praises: "I’ve stayed in touch with Will since he came over in December to race with us, and he has proven to be a disciplined and passionate racer.

“His start with RCR is a continuation of a long-standing investment that RCR has made in finding and honing talent and looking beyond US motorsports."

Before making their international trek, Brown and Waters will be in action this weekend locally at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint.

Brown has won three races and leads the points, while Waters has two poles so far in 2024 but has yet to convert either into victory. Waters sits 15th the standings, but is just 99 points behind fourth-placed Richie Stanaway amid a packed midfield battle.

International viewers can follow all the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint action on Superview. Tickets for the event are on sale now.