WALKINSHAW Andretti United and Zach Bates have both signalled their intentions to continue working together into the 2024 Dunlop Series.
Much of the focus around WAU’s reborn Super2 program has centred on Ryan Wood, who has won three races this year and already secured a graduation to be Chaz Mostert’s 2024 main game teammate.
But Bates has been impressively chipping away and is now on a four-race top five streak which has elevated him to fifth in the standings – just 60 points behind Wood.
The son of Rick Bates collected his maiden Super2 round podium earlier this month at Bathurst, having only missed the Sandown rostrum on a countback.
“It’s been a big step for me, (Toyota) 86s this time last year, so to come out of 86s it’s a big step into these things,” said the 19-year-old, who is driving an ex-James Courtney ZB Commodore.
“Lots and lots to learn. It’s been great to be able to lean on people like Luffy (Warren Luff), Chaz and Nick (Percat) at Walkinshaw Andretti United.
“I feel like I am making progress. Obviously there’s still lots of room for improvement so I’m excited for Adelaide.”
Asked by V8 Sleuth where he’s at for 2024, Bates replied: “It’s been a great year of learning. Obviously I jumped in pretty green to Supercars so just trying to learn as much as possible and be a bit of a sponge.
“In terms of next year, Super2 again with Walkinshaws. I’m looking forward to it, just building on it.”
He did subsequently clarify a deal is in the works and not necessarily done, although WAU team principal Bruce Stewart was not shy in expressing his mutual desire for a Bates renewal.
“Clearly we would like Zach to continue and clearly he’s an exciting young talent that continues to develop and grow,” Stewart told V8 Sleuth.
“Super proud of what Zach has been able to do, especially over the last couple of rounds.
“He’s again part of the Walkinshaw Andretti United Foundation Academy that we’re proud to have young guys and mechanics and engineers coming through. It’s an exciting time to be with the team.
“Clearly I feel really old now in the team but that’s cool, they feed us energy and enthusiasm and that can’t be underestimated.”
Bates’ cousin Lewis won the Adelaide Hills Rally on the weekend to close in on a second Australian Rally Championship crown.
In the Super2 title fight, Zak Best holds a 30-point lead over Kai Allen with just the Adelaide season finale to come.
V8 Sleuth’s ongoing coverage of the Dunlop Series for Super2 and Super3 is proudly presented by Biante – Fuel your passion with winning model cars. Visit Biante here to check out their range of model cars in a range of scales from 1:64 to 1:10.
