Team 18 has today announced its line-up for the 2024 Supercars endurance races with the return of Michael Caruso and Warren Luff to the squad for the Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000.
Caruso will partner up with Mark Winterbottom in the No. 18 DEWALT Racing Chevrolet Camaro for the fourth consecutive year, while Luff will join David Reynolds for the first time in the No. 20 TRADIE Beer Racing Chevrolet Camaro.
Caruso and Winterbottom have formed a strong endurance pairing over the last four seasons, placing 11th in last year’s Sandown 500 and were on course for another 11th place finish at Bathurst before a cruel retirement on the final lap. The pair will be among the most experienced lineups on the grid this year, with 39 combined starts to their name.
Luff has again been released by Walkinshaw Andretti United to join Team 18 for the enduros after last year pairing with Scott Pye. This will mark Luff’s first time co-driving with Reynolds, with the pair entering their 23rd and 17th Great Race start this year respectively.
Caruso and Luff will attend the team’s next test day at Winton Motor Raceway on 30 May alongside Winterbottom and Reynolds.
QUOTES
Michael Caruso, Co-driver #18 DEWALT Racing Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Team 18 for another shot at the enduros. Mark and I have built a solid partnership over the years and we work well together.
“The team have been built up their stocks heavily in the off-season and they’ve got off to a great start so far this season, so I’m itching to jump back in the DEWALT Camaro and see how it’s developed as we prepare for the upcoming enduro season.”
Warren Luff, Co-driver #20 TRADIE Beer Racing Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“I’m pumped to be back at Team 18 with Dave Reynolds and Tradie Beer Racing for this year’s enduro campaign. I had a great time with Team 18 last year and excited to be back with the team this year.
“Teaming up with David Reynolds for the first time is an exciting opportunity. He had a great run there at the first round so I’m eager to bring my experience to the table and work with him to achieve strong results at both Sandown and Bathurst.”
Mark Winterbottom, Driver #18 DEWALT Racing Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“Having Michael back on board for another year is fantastic. He’s been a great asset to the team over the last three enduro campaigns and no doubt his experience will carry us in good stead heading back to Sandown and Bathurst this year.”
“He’s great to have around the team and he’s been closely following our performances this year, so I can’t wait to get him back in the garage and take on the enduros with him.
David Reynolds, Driver #20 TRADIE Beer Racing Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“Teaming up with Luffy is going to be a blast.
“He’s a proven performer at the mountain as well as Sandown and he’s one of the most popular guys in the paddock come the enduros for good reason, so I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.
“We’ve been to Bathurst this year as a team once already and we had a decent package there, so I’m pretty confident going into the enduros. The team are only getting better and better so I’m excited for Luffy to join us and start working with him so we’re best prepared to take on the enduros.
Charlie Schwerkolt, Team Owner – Team 18
“I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Michael and Warren back as our co-drivers for the 2024 enduros. Their wealth of experience speaks volumes, and alongside Frosty and Dave, we boast an incredibly formidable lineup for the endurance races.
“Michael’s a familiar face to us now and we’re excited to bring his energy back into the garage. We couldn’t be happier to have Luffy back and thankful for Walkinshaw Andretti United for releasing him to join us for the enduros.
‘Their combined knowledge and expertise will undoubtedly bolster our team’s efforts as we gear up for the endurance battles ahead.
“With the enduros still on the horizon, there’s plenty of preparation ahead. We’ll be getting Michael and Warren behind the wheel at our test day this Thursday to ensure they’re fully integrated with the team as a lot has changed since they were last with us.
“We’re committed to putting our best foot forward come September, and having them onboard is a significant step in that direction.”