WALKINSHAW Andretti United team principal Bruce Stewart has hinted at leveraging the team’s international connections to the benefit of its Supercars drivers.
It comes on a day during which Shane van Gisbergen was confirmed to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut, while Supercars championship Brodie Kostecki’s upcoming trip to Richard Childress Racing was also revealed.
WAU is co-owned by Andretti Autosport and United Autosports, the latter of which was co-founded by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
Stewart indicated opportunities abroad are in the works.
“Watch this space; we’re working on something right now with both drivers,” he said.
“Nick (Percat) loves his karting and he spends a lot of time in between rounds doing a lot of that.
“Mozzie (Chaz Mostert), if he’s not in the car he’s semi-painful in between rounds so you have got to keep him in seat time, so it works for all parties – it makes for a great marriage.”
Pressed to elaborate, Stewart gave little more detail than that such cameos mightn’t necessarily be limited to the United States.
“There’s something warming up at the moment but it’s not the time to talk about it,” he said.
“When we have got something to announce, we’ll let you know.”
Specific to Supercars, Stewart hailed Mostert’s effort to be running second in the championship approaching Round 4 this weekend at Symmons Plains “a great effort”.
While a tough run has relegated Percat to 25th, Stewart declared pressure is not mounting on the 2011 Bathurst 1000 winner.
“I think it’s been pretty clear with, whether it’s been a wheel bearing or a fire, that the gods haven’t reflected beautifully on Nick this year,” he said.
“We back his talents and tenacity and he’s in a great space. We’re excited about what’s coming forward.”
WAU does have Super2 star Ryan Wood waiting in the wings, with the Kiwi teenager in attendance this weekend.
As for where WAU is at with its 2024 driver roster, Stewart simply pointed to the fact there’s still three-quarters of the current season to play out.
“It’s Tassie, it’s May, it’s early days… eyes forward, let’s just do the best job we can and leave those kinds of conversations until later in the year.”
Percat is due to make his 300th Supercars Championship race start in Race 3 of the Tasmania SuperSprint on Sunday.
Main game action will commence tomorrow with Practice 1 kicking off at 9am.
V8 Sleuth’s coverage of the 2023 NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint is proudly presented by ACL RACE Series – Proudly manufactured in Australia for over 70 years. Visit ACL Performance online here to check out more on the ACL RACE Series.
