United Autosports will exit its Supercars joint venture to focus on its other commitments, including McLaren’s factory Hypercar programme in the World Endurance Championship from 2027.
As per the agreement, Walkinshaw Group and Andretti’s parent company TWG Global will consolidate their ownership and acquire United’s existing shareholding in the outfit.
The change will come into effect on 3 February and will see the team rebrand as Walkinshaw TWG Racing.
With this announcement, Supercars becomes the second category United will leave in 2026, having also handed over the running of McLaren’s LMGT3 effort to Garage 59.
Most of the Anglo-American team’s resources next year will be directed towards the development of McLaren’s new LMDh prototype, which will debut in the WEC’s top category in 2027.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision to step away from Walkinshaw Andretti United, one that we didn’t take lightly. But with our WEC program and other racing commitments growing rapidly, the time was right to put our complete focus and energy into that,” said United co-owner Zak Brown.
“Personally, I have loved every moment with the entire team, with the drivers, and being involved in Supercars. To win the championship in our final event together seems like the perfect ending, but also, the Bathurst 10000 win is something that I will never forget.
“The sport itself is in great shape, it’s no-doubt one of the best racing categories in the world. I want to thank the team for not only welcoming us in 2018, but for all the hard work and dedication since.”
Ryan Walkinshaw from Walkinshaw Andretti United and Zak Brown
Photo by: Edge Photographics
Walkinshaw Andretti United was formed in 2018 when United Autosports and Andretti Autosport joined forces with Ryan Walkinshaw in the erstwhile factory Holden squad. Andretti and Walkinshaw each took a 37.5% stake in the rejigged organisation, with United acquiring the remaining 25%.
During its eight-year stint in Australia’s biggest championship, WAU achieved plenty of success against stern opposition from Dick Johnson Racing and Triple Eight Racing, scoring 17 victories in total – including at the Bathurst 1000 in 2021.
It added another milestone this year when Chaz Mostert snatched the drivers’ title from Triple Eight duo Will Brown and Broc Feeney under Supercars’ new Finals system in Adelaide.
Walkinshaw TWG stressed there will be no changes to its day-to-day operations and staffing levels following United’s departure.
The Melbourne-based squad will continue its preparations for 2026 as it leaves Ford’s stable to become Toyota’s homologation partner.
“United Autosports, and more specifically, Zak Brown and Richard Dean, have been nothing but fantastic to work with since 2018. While we are all sad to see them go, we completely respect their decision,” said Ryan Walkinshaw.
“We’ve shared in some fantastic moments together, none bigger than the championship in Adelaide a few weeks ago, or winning Bathurst in 2021, and personally, I’ve really enjoyed working alongside them. It started as an idea to bring Andretti Autosport into the fold, and it wasn’t long before Zak was making sure he didn’t miss out!”
TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss added: “We’re thankful for everything United Autosports has contributed to this team since 2018 and for the success we shared along the way. Their role in building where we are today will always be an important part of our story, and we thank the entire organisation, as well as Zak and Richard.”
The 2026 Supercars season will begin at Sydney Motorsport Park on 20-22 February. Walkinshaw TWG will enter a pair of new Toyota GR Supra cars next year for newly-crowned champion Mostert and one-time race winner Ryan Wood.
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