Australian motorsport icon Jamie Whincup has confirmed he will not return to the Supercars grid until at least 2027, making way for recently retired driver Nick Percat at Triple Eight Race Engineering.
End of an Era for Seven-Time Champion
The record seven-time Supercars champion has put his pursuit of a fifth Bathurst 1000 victory on hold following disappointing results in this season's Enduro Cup. Whincup, who also serves as managing director at Triple Eight, finished 19th at The Bend 500 and sixth at the Bathurst 1000 alongside current series leader Broc Feeney.
The 42-year-old hasn't tasted victory at Mount Panorama since his 2012 win with Paul Dumbrell, despite previously forming a formidable partnership with Craig Lowndes that delivered three consecutive Bathurst victories from 2006.
"What a journey it's been," Whincup reflected in an official statement. "I have always said I will continue to drive the car as long as the management team and I feel like I'm the best person for the job."
Percat Steps into Legendary Shoes
Nick Percat, who announced his shock retirement on the eve of this year's Bathurst event despite having a contract with Matt Stone Racing until 2027, will now join Triple Eight as Feeney's co-driver in the No. 88 car next season.
The 37-year-old brings considerable experience to the role, having famously won the Bathurst 1000 on his debut in 2010 as co-driver for Garth Tander. During the regular 2024 season, Percat achieved three podium finishes at the Australian Grand Prix and in Tasmania, ultimately finishing 16th overall.
"To be stepping into the seat Jamie was in is a bit of an honour," Percat acknowledged. "Jamie was the guy we all tried to beat for so long, and his ability inside the car is seriously incredible."
Future Racing Prospects Remain Open
While stepping back from driving duties, Whincup made it clear this doesn't necessarily mark the end of his racing career. "I'm not saying this year's Bathurst was my last race in a Supercar," he clarified.
"At this stage, I will not be driving a Red Bull Ampol Racing race car in the 2026 or 2027 Enduros. I'm not shutting the door on driving ever again. It's not something to read anything into either."
The reshuffle sees Scott Pye continuing as co-driver for defending champion Will Brown, while Feeney remains in championship contention heading into this weekend's penultimate round at the Sandown 500.
The 23-year-old Feeney currently leads rivals Chaz Mostert, Matt Payne, Cam Waters and Will Brown in the top five standings, setting up an exciting conclusion to the Supercars season.
