Get ready for a thrilling season ahead as Team 18 shakes things up with its enduro pairings and a bold new livery for Anton De Pasquale’s car! But here’s where it gets controversial—with the team’s shift to becoming Chevrolet Racing’s homologation partner, all eyes are on De Pasquale to lead the charge, especially after Triple Eight’s defection to Ford. Can he deliver? Let’s dive in.
In a strategic move, Lee Holdsworth has been paired with De Pasquale, shifting from David Reynolds’ sister entry to make room for the high-profile recruit, James Courtney. This reshuffle isn’t just about drivers—it’s about maximizing potential. Holdsworth brings a whopping 22 years of Bathurst experience, and his chemistry with De Pasquale is already sparking excitement. As Holdsworth puts it, ‘Anton and I get on really well, and I think we’re going to have a strong driving combination.’ With Courtney and Reynolds on the other side of the garage, the team dynamic is shaping up to be electric.
And this is the part most people miss—Team 18’s launch event wasn’t just about driver pairings. It also unveiled a fresh look for the Reynolds/Courtney machine, now sporting Snowy River Caravans sponsorship. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a statement of intent as the team steps into its new role with Chevrolet. De Pasquale’s car, meanwhile, retains its Stanley Black & Decker branding (DeWalt and Cub Cadet) but now features a subtle Chevrolet pattern on the rear quarters—a nod to their factory status.
De Pasquale’s rise has been steady but impressive. Finishing eighth in last year’s championship—his debut season with Charlie Schwerkolt’s squad—he’s proven he’s a force to be reckoned with. Schwerkolt himself praises De Pasquale’s growth: ‘Anton delivered the best championship result the team has ever had last season… He keeps improving every year.’ With Andrew Donnelly returning as his engineer, De Pasquale has the stability and technical support to aim even higher in 2026.
But here’s the kicker: Team 18 isn’t stopping there. They’re fielding a Supercheap wildcard entry in the Enduro Cup, featuring none other than Craig Lowndes and Porsche young gun Bayley Hall. Bold move or risky gamble? Some fans are already debating whether this lineup can challenge the established order. Meanwhile, Porsche champ Harri Jones, who co-drove with De Pasquale in 2025, is notably absent from the lineup. What does this mean for his future?
As Team 18 gears up for its first full season as Chevrolet’s homologation team, the focus is clear: consistency and high performance. Schwerkolt emphasizes, ‘We finished 2025 strongly and want to carry that momentum forward.’ But with new partnerships, fresh rivalries, and a reshuffled lineup, will they succeed? Or will the pressure of leading Chevrolet’s charge prove too much?
What do you think? Is De Pasquale the right driver to spearhead this new era for Team 18? Will the wildcard entry pay off, or is it a distraction? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
