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Walkinshaw Andretti United co-owner Ryan Walkinshaw believes it can win championships with Chaz Mostert installed at the Holden team.
The Clayton operation has today officially confirmed a long expected Supercars silly season move with Mostert joining the team from Tickford Racing.
Mostert has been recruited to spearhead a new look WAU squad with Super2 series winner Bryce Fullwood expected to join him, replacing James Courtney and Scott Pye, who are bound for Team Sydney and Team 18 respectively.
After a strong 2018 season, WAU has struggled to build on the platform, ending this season sixth in the standings with a solitary podium for Courtney and Jack Perkins at Mount Panorama.
Walkinshaw has long been looking to revitalise his team with 2014 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 winner Mostert a key part of that plan.
Admitting it took a lot of work to secure the 13-time Supercars race winner, Walkinshaw believes the combination of driver and team have the ability to lift titles.
The squad’s last championship arrived in 2009 when it won the teams’ title, while Mark Skaife took its last drivers’ crown in 2002.
“There is no doubt Chaz is one of the top drivers in the Supercars Championship, so to have him join our team is extremely exciting, and a testament to the direction we are headed,” said Walkinshaw.
“A lot of work has gone into this from everyone, so to see it come to fruition is incredibly satisfying. His talent and charisma mean he will be a fantastic asset for us, both on and off the track.
“We are here to win races and to win championships, and we believe we can do that with Chaz.
“We welcome him with open arms to our family, as I’m sure our fanbase will as well.
“It begins the next chapter of journey, and I can’t wait to see it unfold.”
The signing of Mostert has been welcomed by WAU’s co-owner Zak Brown, owner of United Autosports, and Andretti Autosport boss Michael Andretti.
Brown, who witnessed Mostert win for Tickford at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in his role as McLaren Formula 1 boss, believes the driver is a ‘huge’ talent.
“We are all thrilled to announce Chaz’s arrival at Walkinshaw Andretti United,” said Brown.
“His signing was a key strategic decision on where we are headed, and something we are all very proud of.
“He will represent our team, and our fantastic group of partners extremely well. He has huge talent behind the wheel, but he is also a wonderful person who fits in with our family perfectly. It’s an exciting time for the Team as a whole.”
Meanwhile, Andretti says the signing highlights the direction the team is headed.
“To have a driver of Chaz’s pedigree join Walkinshaw Andretti United shows the path we are headed,” said Andretti.
“He is undoubtedly one of the top drivers in the field, and is a great fit for us and what we stand for.
“He has shown faith in us, and we look forward to repaying that in our journey together. I can’t wait to see him behind the wheel in 2020, and look forward to sharing success together into the future.”
Mostert is set to pilot a WAU Holden for the first time at the Supercars pre-season test at The Bend Motorsport Park on February 18.
