LEADING V8 Supercars squad Triple Eight has confirmed that it will enter a wildcard entry at the Bathurst 1000 this year.
As first revealed exclusively in Auto Action last week, the defending champion team, which this year runs primarily under the Red Bull Racing banner, has been finalising the details of the third entry over recent weeks.
The wildcard entry, which has been approved by the V8 Supercars Commission and Board, will run independently from the Red Bull Racing garage at the opposite end of pitlane.
The driver lineup is yet to be confirmed, however Casey Stoner remains a top candidate for the seat, aided by his high-profile status and rapport with the energy drink giant. Stoner also spent a day lapping Mount Panorama at the start of the year in a V8RACE Experience track day as part of his Dunlop Series preparation. However, despite an obvious link to the seat, the MotoGP champion recently hosed down the possibility of racing at Bathurst, saying he doesn’t feel ready to partner with a full-time driver at the Great Race.
Other possible candidates include star steerers from Red Bull’s global camp, such as nine-time WRC champion Sebastien Loeb, Jamie Green, Travis Pastrana and Sebastien Ogier.
Triple Eight Team Manager Adrian Burgess told AA last week that the team had discussed the option of a third Bathurst entry this year and confirmed the team had four finished cars in its stable.
Auto Action will bring you more details as they come to hand, but in the meantime head to our Facebook page for all the latest motorsport news.
