The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship season is approaching with several key developments and unanswered questions.
Supercars TV Changes
Supercars is transitioning its production partner from Gravity Media to NEP. This change is anticipated to result in adjustments to on-screen talent. Neil Crompton has been offered a reduced role, and Mark Skaife's involvement is uncertain. Garth Tander, James Courtney, and Mark Winterbottom are expected to have increased visibility. Supercars may also explore remote hub-style production options, and updates to graphics are expected.
Finals Series Evaluation
Following the inaugural finals series, teams and drivers now have a clearer understanding of the format. Their approach to the second iteration of the series, including tactical considerations, will be observed. Fan feedback on the initial finals series was mixed, but it successfully maintained engagement.
Unassigned Co-driver Positions
Several Ryco Enduro Cup co-driver seats are yet to be filled. These include positions with Thomas Randle at Tickford Racing, André Heimgartner and Cameron Hill at Brad Jones Racing, and the Team 18 Supercheap Auto wildcard alongside Craig Lowndes. Potential candidates have been mentioned for these roles.
Engineer and Sponsor Movements
Blanchard Racing Team is expected to be joined by engineer Tony Woodward. Grove Racing has recruited Riccardo Corte, and Erebus Motorsport has added Daniel Frencham. Ed Williams (Dick Johnson Racing) and Oliver Boone (Matt Stone Racing) will begin their first full seasons as race engineers. The reshaping of BJR's crew after Woodward's departure and Triple Eight's plans for its SCT entry are pending. Sponsor changes include Tyrepower following Jack Le Brocq to MSR, Snowy River Caravans moving to Team 18 with James Courtney, and new co-naming rights backers for BRT's Aaron Cameron.
Race Number Assignments
Discussions revolve around Dick Johnson Racing's allocation of #17 to either Brodie Kostecki or Rylan Gray. Craig Lowndes will no longer use #888, with a potential return to #15 or #015 being considered. Triple Eight's plans for #888 with Will Brown, or Brown's potential use of #87, are also open. Jayden Ojeda's choice between #62 and #31 is another point of interest.
Toyota's Entry Competitiveness
Supercars and its Homologation Teams have reportedly achieved aero parity following wind tunnel testing. Engine parity is the next focus, starting with dyno work in Queensland before a trip to Austria. Assuming parity is established, the Toyota Supra's performance out of the gate will be observed, along with its potential strengths and weaknesses compared to the Mustang and Camaro.
Refinements to the Ford Mustang
Triple Eight implemented several changes to the Ford Mustang before wind tunnel testing, in consultation with other Ford teams. Modifications include the exhaust and side skirts. The impact of these changes on the Mustang's on-track characteristics, particularly its performance on various track layouts, will be assessed.
General Motors' Driver Recruitment
General Motors has intensified its recruitment efforts following the loss of Triple Eight for 2026. The potential acquisition of Matt Payne is being monitored, given that several frontline drivers have long-term contracts. The possibility of a team switching affiliations is considered less probable.
Roland Dane's Role at PremiAir
Roland Dane's involvement with PremiAir is under observation as the team works with a fresh driver roster and key vacancies. The extent and speed of PremiAir's performance improvement under Dane's guidance are key questions.
High-Profile Free Agents
Engineer Ludo Lacroix and former Grove Racing team principal David Cauchi are high-profile free agents. Their future roles within Supercars are currently unknown.
Driving Standards Approach
Supercars adopted a "play-on" approach during the 2025 season, which resulted in increased on-track action but also led to concerns from team bosses regarding damage costs and driver uncertainty about rule limits. The championship's approach to driving standards for the upcoming season, whether maintaining a focus on aggressive racing or seeking a balanced approach, is yet to be determined.
International Expansion Plans
Supercars CEO James Warburton has expressed interest in establishing an overseas competition in Asia and the Middle East. This initiative aims to enhance the championship's financial standing and global presence. With a projected timeline of 2027, further details and clarifications are anticipated.