Zach Bates will continue with Walkinshaw Andretti United in the Dunlop Super2 Series in 2024, the team has confirmed.
Bates joined the Clayton-based squad this year for his rookie season in the second tier of Supercars and has thus far notched up two race podiums as well as a round podium last time out at Bathurst.
He is currently fifth in the series standings and, as tipped by Speedcafe, will again drive the #25 ZB Commodore next year.
“I am pumped to be continuing my Super2 journey here at WAU for the 2024 season, this team has welcomed me with open arms and is like family to me,” said the 19-year-old.
“It’s been awesome to be supported by some of the best and most experienced in the game, they have all helped me learn so much this year.
“It’s no doubt been a huge learning curve, but to have a few podiums and good speed all year has been a great feeling.
“Now that we’ve got a year under our belts, I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do together in 2024.
“A massive thanks to all our partners for making this year happen as well, they have been amazing with their support, and I’m really proud to represent them.”
Bruce Stewart, now WAU’s CEO after the team’s management structure was tweaked, remarked, “We are thrilled to have Zach with us for another season.
“He has really immersed himself into the team and the rapid growth we have seen from him leaves me in no doubt he is a star of the future.
“It was a big step for Zach coming from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series into the Dunlop Super2 Series, but he has really stepped up to the challenge.
“The team are pumped to have him back for another season, he is a great asset to our team.
“I looked back at our season goals for Zach earlier this week and fair to say he’s exceeded expectations and is setting the bar high for an exciting 2024.
“Zach has shown immense improvement across the season both on and off the track, it’s been great to see him grow this year and we are excited to see what he can bring next year.”
WAU, which returned to Super2 this year after a decade away, still has one seat to fill in that programme given it has promoted Ryan Wood to the Repco Supercars Championship to steer one of its Gen3 Ford Mustangs next year.
Super3 front-runner Cameron McLeod drove Wood’s #2 ZB Commodore during a recent test day, while several youngsters were handed seat time in an Evaluation Day in October.
It is also expected to continue its Toyota 86 programme in 2024, under the banner of the WAU Foundation Academy.
Bates is the son of rally driver Rick and nephew of four-time Australian Rally Champion Neal, and cut his teeth in Toyota 86s before joining WAU in Super2.
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