Steve Owen will slot into Prodrive’s #6 Pepsi Max Ford for the season ending Coates Hire Sydney 500, the team has announced.

The squad has elected to have current driver Cameron Waters focus on securing the Dunlop Series title at the December 4-6 event.

Waters has subbed for Chaz Mostert since the full-timer’s season ending crash at Bathurst, stepping up to primary duties at the Gold Coast, Pukekohe and this weekend at Phillip Island.

While the youngster is being groomed for a graduation into the main series next year, team principal Tim Edwards says it’s important for Waters to concentrate on the Dunlop finale.

Sydney will also likely see Prodrive trying to secure the V8 Supercars Teams’ Championship, in which Owen may play a vital role.

“We always wanted to give Cam the best chance possible at taking home his first Dunlop Series championship and with Steve already being affiliated with the blue cars it was a good fit,” said Edwards.

“He (Owen) has been with the team for a little while now and he knows the cars and how the team operates so it just made sense really.

“He did a fantastic job at Sandown and Bathurst and even at the Gold Coast alongside Frosty (Mark Winterbottom).

“He did exactly what we needed him to do which was keep the car clean so we know we can be consistent and competitive at Homebush as well.”

Owen has raced with Prodrive in the last three endurance seasons, winning this year’s Sandown 500 alongside Mark Winterbottom.

Sydney will mark his first solo V8 Supercars start since 2012, when he raced a Dick Johnson Racing Ford for Paul Morris.

“It’s great to be able to help out the team at the Sydney 500,” said Owen.

“I know the cars and I know the team well which always helps. I worked with the guys on the other side of the garage in the endurance races, so working with Adam (De Borre) and the car six crew will be a little bit different but also a great experience.

“The track is a tricky one, you’ve really got to keep the car clean there because the walls aren’t forgiving but I’ll give it my best go and hopefully get these guys the team’s championship.”