New Zealander Richie Stanaway has secured a fulltime Supercars drive in 2018 after signing a multi-year deal with Prodrive Racing Ford.
The New Zealand driver Richie Stanaway. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 26-year-old has long been linked to a seat with the four-car team having stood-out as a co-driver in the Endurance Cup rounds the past two seasons.
He becomes the fifth New Zealander to earn a fulltime drive on next year's grip joining Scott McLaughlin, Fabian Coulthard, Shane van Gisbergen and Andre Heimgartner.
Obviously it's good to have everything ready," said Stanaway, who will pilot the No. 56 Ford Falcon FG X in 2018. "It's been coming along for a while, but it's good to finally have the deal done. It's been a childhood dream for me to race in Supercars, so it's great to check that off the bucket list."
Team principal and chief execurtive Tim Edwards echoed Stanaway's enthusiasm, and is pleased to have the rookie under his watch.
"We're obviously delighted to have Richie aboard with us full time. For as young as he is, he brings more experience and achievements to the table than a lot of veterans, and he's impressed us every time we've put him on track. He's proven he deserves a top quality ride in this sport, and I'm glad he'll be racing for us rather than against us."
Stanaway joins Chaz Mostert, Cameron Waters, and Mark Winterbottom to form the team's four-driver lineup for 2018.
-RNZ
