Silly Season 2026

[muz]

Percat leaving MSR is a big surprise, is it falling apart or is it a funding issue?

Word is according to news that BRT are trying to convince Courtney to stay another year. But surely JC has 1 thing left on his bucket list - Bathurst, and BRT cannot deliver that.

[skaifeman]

Percat leaving MSR is a big surprise, is it falling apart or is it a funding issue?

Word is according to news that BRT are trying to convince Courtney to stay another year. But surely JC has 1 thing left on his bucket list - Bathurst, and BRT cannot deliver that.

JC will be in hot demand next year too. My first thoughts are always 888, they have the best strike rate.
- Does J-Dub move to a wildcard program? Or do they give Pye the boot?
- JC always speaks well of his time at Tickford, but unless you're in the #6 it's not worth it.
- A return to Walkinshaw? It's a shot in the dark with the Supra coming on board.
- I'm not too sure DJ would have him back - he seemed to be team Charlie through and through.
...a return to Charlie and his good mate Burgess at the factory Chev team?

Has JC given it away here, suggesting Percat may be done, and not by his own choice.

"[Mark] Winterbottom, [Lee] Holdsworth, Garth [Tander], now you're seeing with [Nick] Percat as well, to have someone else decide the end of your career after such a long time is pretty sad.

https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2025-the-bend-500-james-courtney-retirement-backflip-2026-silly-season/


Hill and Jones confirmed at BJR. Hill is a great signing, if getting the same equipment as Heimgartner, he should be right there with him.
Being frank, I think Jones has had his time. Heimgartner, Fullwood and at times Evans have outperformed him consistently.
https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-brad-jones-racing-signs-cam-hill-confirmed-toyota-drivers-macauley-jones/

[mikeamerica84]

James Golding has pulled the pin on PremiAir for next year:

https://www.supercars.com/news/supercars-news-2025-james-golding-premiair-racing-exit-announcement-silly-season-2026-driver-market

[skaifeman]

James Golding has pulled the pin on PremiAir for next year:

https://www.supercars.com/news/supercars-news-2025-james-golding-premiair-racing-exit-announcement-silly-season-2026-driver-market

And promptly squared away at BRT:
https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-driver-market-silly-season-james-golding-blanchard-racing-team/

BRT expected to run 888 gear next year might see a little uptick. Sideways at best, but hey, he's on the grid!

[muz]

James Golding has pulled the pin on PremiAir for next year:

https://www.supercars.com/news/supercars-news-2025-james-golding-premiair-racing-exit-announcement-silly-season-2026-driver-market

And promptly squared away at BRT:
https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-driver-market-silly-season-james-golding-blanchard-racing-team/

BRT expected to run 888 gear next year might see a little uptick. Sideways at best, but hey, he's on the grid!

,He's on the grid' is the best summary. JC to JG is a downgrade as the equipment might get better

[muz]

https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2025-driver-market-silly-season-jaxon-evans-sct-andrew-jones-bjr/

I really hope Jack Smith is coming back

[stevo qld]

https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2025-driver-market-silly-season-jaxon-evans-sct-andrew-jones-bjr/

I really hope Jack Smith is coming back

I was thinking his nephew and Jack as co-driver.

[skaifeman]

Pretty accurate summary here:
https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/the-stark-reality-facing-general-motors-in-supercars/

Stark times for GM. It does seem there's a shift in thought amongst the teams over the last 3-4 years to bring the rookies in.


I'm not surprised that Evans is gone, he's been OK, but not knocking the door down to hold his seat. Still surprised at Macca holding his spot.
One does wonder the quality of the 4th (and maybe even 3rd) BJR car.

[muz]

https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-nick-percat-announces-retirement-full-time-racing-msr-silly-season/

Percat falls on his own sword. Shame to see him go early. Would like to see him win Bathurst now.

Report says the relationship has soured with team management - wonder what is going on there, seems this team rarely holds onto someone for a long time. Actually, not many of the remaining GM teams seem to be able to keep people in the set for more than 2-3 seasons.

[drivexby]

This answers the Percat question

https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-nick-percat-announces-retirement-full-time-racing-msr-silly-season/

[AlbertM]

https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2025-bathurst-1000-brad-jones-racing-sct-silly-season-2026/

Silly season 2026, with more curves than a pin-up.

[skaifeman]

Rumours of SCT at Tickford or 888.
Tickford for Gray or Dalton? 888 for Bates or even Pye?

There will be some talent in the co-driver ranks next year. Percat, Courtney, Fullwood, Stanaway(?) even Evans.
The top teams will be stacked.

[skaifeman]

Roland got bored in retirement. Team principal at Premiair.
Did Golding jump off the ship too early? Xiberras made it sound like Jimmy left before they made a call.

[stevo qld]

There is a lot of talk that SCT might link with 888 or Tickford. Tickford has ruled it out.

I am a bit intrigued that Jamie says 888 has had an offer to buy ALL the equipment that has been used by the Supercheap wildcard, including truck, spares and pit equipment.

Is there a possibility that SCT could start a solo team using 888 expertise?

There could be an awkward situation where SCT share a pit with the third BJR Toyota.

[AlbertM]

Official, SCT has joined Triple Eight Race Engineering as a full time entry to the 2026 season.

https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/sct-motorsport-partnering-with-triple-eight-to-run-three-car-program-in-2026/