The landscape of the Repco Supercars Championship is shifting, and Team 18 is at the forefront of the change. As the 2026 season approaches, the team has unveiled a revamped line-up, new sponsor, and a striking new livery for David Reynolds’ #20 Chevrolet Camaro. The changes signal a clear intent to build on the momentum gained in the latter half of the 2023 season and a strong start to 2024.
A New Era with Snowy River Caravans
After two seasons with TRADIE Beer as the primary sponsor, Team 18 has partnered with Snowy River Caravans for the 2026 season. The new sponsorship brings with it a visually distinctive teal and black livery, a color scheme that Reynolds believes “looks aggressive” and suits the Camaro’s design. The livery also incorporates Chevrolet badge design elements, creating a consistent aesthetic across the Team 18 Camaros, mirroring the design on teammate Anton De Pasquale’s car.
While TRADIE Beer is no longer the naming rights sponsor, they will remain onboard with Team 18, demonstrating the strength of the previous partnership. This continued support underscores the team’s ability to forge lasting relationships within the Supercars paddock.
Courtney Joins the Team for Enduro Cup
Alongside the livery reveal, Team 18 announced a significant driver pairing for the Ryco Enduro Cup. 2017 Bathurst 1000 champion James Courtney will join Reynolds as his co-driver, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the team. Courtney, the 2010 Supercars champion, replaces Lee Holdsworth, who has been moved to partner with De Pasquale.
Courtney expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, embracing what he described as a “sidekick” role. He also highlighted the excitement of reuniting with the General Motors brand, having previously driven for Holden. This reunion adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s dynamic.
Engineering Changes and Continued Momentum
The changes extend beyond the driver line-up and visual identity. Team 18 has also made a strategic adjustment to its engineering department. Dr. Geoff Slater will take over as Reynolds’ race engineer, bringing his expertise to the #20 Camaro. Former engineer Richard Hollway will remain within the team, taking on a different role. This engineering shift is intended to further refine the team’s performance and build on the progress made in 2023 and 2024.
Reynolds finished ninth in the 2023 championship with one win and six podiums while driving for Grove Racing. His move to Team 18 on a multi-year deal signaled a commitment to a long-term partnership, and the team is clearly investing in resources to support his ambitions. Reynolds is eager to capitalize on the support of his experienced mechanical and engineering team, aiming to secure further victories.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Reynolds acknowledges the team’s positive trajectory, pointing to a second-place finish at Bathurst and a pole position in Townsville as evidence of their growing competitiveness. He emphasized the hard work undertaken during the off-season to build on that momentum. The team finished fifth in the teams’ championship in 2023, and the goal for 2026 is undoubtedly to climb higher.
The unveiling of the new livery and driver pairings comes after Team 18 showcased David Reynolds’ first Camaro livery in February 2024. That livery, featuring the TRADIE Beer branding with a white base and orange and yellow styling, represented the start of a promising partnership. The transition to Snowy River Caravans marks a new chapter, but the underlying commitment to performance remains steadfast.
The design of the new livery was the work of designer Nick Moss, brought to life with PPG paint and vinyl from Metamark, and executed by Team 18 Livery Technician and Visual Manager Mitch Croke. The attention to detail in the livery’s creation reflects the team’s dedication to presenting a professional and visually appealing image.
Pre-Season Testing and Season Outlook
The newly liveried Camaro hit the track for pre-season testing at Winton Motor Raceway on , providing the team with an opportunity to fine-tune the car’s setup and assess its performance. The season will officially commence at the Thrifty Bathurst 500, where Reynolds and Courtney will make their debut as a pairing.
The combination of a new sponsor, a seasoned co-driver, and engineering adjustments positions Team 18 as a team to watch in the upcoming Supercars Championship. Reynolds’ experience, coupled with Courtney’s championship pedigree, creates a formidable driver line-up. The team’s commitment to continuous improvement and its strong partnerships suggest that they are well-equipped to challenge for race wins and championship contention in 2026.
