Team 18 has signed Warren Luff to partner Scott Pye for the 2023 Supercars endurance races at the Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000.
Pye and Luff have previously teamed up for The Great Race three times, which included back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018.
Luff brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team, with six podium finishes at the Bathurst 1000 in the last decade, establishing himself as one of the top co-drivers in the series.
Pye expressed his excitement about reuniting with Luff for this year’s enduros, and is proud to team up with not only an experienced driver but a good friend.
Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt also welcomed Luff to the team, thanking Walkinshaw Andretti United for loaning Luff and facilitating this opportunity for Luff to remain on the grid for the endurance races.
Luff adds to Team 18’s impressive endurance line-up, with Michael Caruso set to join Mark Winterbottom in the #18 DEWALT Racing Camaro.
The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship includes two endurances races, with the Sandown 500 on 15-17 September and the Bathurst 1000 on 5-8 October.
Team 18 will continue their focus on the next round of the 2023 season at the Tasmania SuperSprint on 19-21 May.
QUOTES
Scott Pye, driver #20 Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“I’m pumped to have ‘Luffy’ onboard for the enduro races this year.
“We’ve obviously got a good history together at Bathurst in particular. I have a lot of faith in his ability and when he is in the car I feel very confident that he’s the man for the job. I’m so excited to have him on board and I think for the whole team it’s a great opportunity.
“Luffy is certainly one of my good friends and I guess that relationship began when we were first co-drivers and he’s a guy that’s loved up and down pit lane.
“You can’t not get along with Luffy, he’s certainly become a good friend of mine and so it’s exciting to go to Bathurst and do that race with a mate and feel like you have the potential of standing on the top step is very special.
“Having Luffy signed away now is a huge confidence boost and I think for us it’s a great opportunity to get a result at both Sandown and Bathurst.
‘For Luffy, I think Sandown is a great opportunity to get some miles as well in a race format before Bathurst in this new car, because for every co-driver it’s going to be a whole new challenge, but with Luffy’s background driving so many different types of cars, I think he’s someone that can adapt extremely quickly to the conditions, so I think he’s a great get for the team.
“For me, I’ve got a lot of confidence in his ability jumping into something that’s unfamiliar and being able to deliver.”
Warren Luff, co-driver #20 Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“I am thrilled to be reuniting with Scott Pye as his co-driver at Team 18 for Sandown and Bathurst this year.
“We have great history together from our three years at Walkinshaw, and have great memories from the back-to-pack podiums in 2017 and 2018.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone at Walkinshaw Andretti United for loaning me out to Team 18 for the enduros. It’s great to have their support to stay on the grid and I appreciate the chance to compete with Team 18 at these iconic events.
“Charlie and I go way back to the DJR days in 2009 and 2010 when I teamed up with JC [James Courtney], so it’s great to reunite with him as well. I’ve got a lot of respect of him, he’s built a really strong outfit that’s been getting better year on year.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in to our preparations for Sandown and Bathurst and we’ll be sure to put our best foot forward when enduro season comes around.”
Charlie Schwerkolt, Team Owner – Team 18
“We’re really excited and what a great get to have Warren Luff come onboard with Team 18 for the enduros this year.
“I’ve got a bit of history with Luffy going back to ’09 and ’10 when he was driving with James Courtney back at DJR, I’ve known Luffy a long time.
“He’s a steady hand, and experienced operator and with Scott Pye’s speed and performance at the mountain I think they will make a really great combination.
“We were hunting down the best driver we possibly could get. We had a couple of internationals we were looking at and a couple of young Super2 guys. We were looking all over the place to get someone that we really want to fit with the team.
“Bruin reached out to Luffy to see what he was up to and as it turned out Walkinshaw weren’t going ahead with their wildcard program, so we lucked out and took Luffy on board.
“We are very appreciative of Walkinshaw for being able to loan him out for this opportunity. We really appreciate all the help that Bruce Stewart made to allow an easy transition.
“Luffy’s got six podiums in the last 11 years so he knows the role really well and he’s a strong addition to what is a really talented and experienced endurance lineup, adding to Frosty and Michael Caruso on the other side of the garage.”