General Motors (GM) is setting its focus on finding a new homologation team for the Supercars Championship as it navigates the fallout from Triple Eight Race Engineering’s shift to Ford. The announcement of Triple Eight’s departure to Ford, set to take effect from the 2026 season, has left GM racing executives with considerable urgency to adapt and reinvigorate their strategy within the sporting arena.
GM’s commitment to the Supercars Competition remains steadfast, with plans to remain competitive even after losing its primary team. On the eve of the 2025 racing season opener, GM executives underscored their dedication to the sport, emphasizing their long history of participation. “We are, as a company, committed to Supercars here and the industry and the racing series moving forward,” stated Jess Bala, Managing Director of GM Australia & New Zealand. This commitment has spanned nearly 70 years, aligning GM closely with the passions of Australian motorsport fans.
Chevrolet Racing General Manager Chris Payne added, “We are not done yet.” He explained how GM is approaching this transition with fresh eyes, acknowledging the competitive challenges they now face with the departure of one of the sport's most successful teams. Between 2010 and 2024, Triple Eight dominated the series, capturing 11 teams’ championship titles, nine drivers’ championships, and six Bathurst victories, all under GM machinery.
The shift not only vacates GM’s leading position but also allows Ford to vie for Triple Eight's prominent status as its homologation team—a nomination subject to approval by the other Supercars teams. Simultaneously, Toyota's entry to the competition, with Walkinshaw Andretti United designated as its homologation team, adds another layer of competition for GM as they seek to reclaim their foothold.
Payne emphasized the importance of urgency and decisiveness, declaring, “Selecting GM’s new homologation team is a top priority.” Although no specific timeline for this decision has been established, he reassured fans and stakeholders, “We intend to work quickly in conjunction with Supercars on the appointment of a new homologation team for GM.” This indicates GM's proactive approach as they look to bounce back and remain contenders against both Ford and the upcoming Toyota presence.
Despite the impending changes, GM's existing partnerships within Supercars remain strong. Currently, GM's presence is bolstered by teams like Erebus Motorsport, Matt Stone Racing, PremiAir Racing, Brad Jones Racing, and Team 18, who have all showcased impressive performances, especially during the new Gen3 era with the Chevrolet Camaro. Erebus, for example, clinched both the drivers’ and teams’ championships last year and took home the Bathurst 1000 trophy, marking GM's reclaimed competitiveness following years of dominance.
Payne stressed the need to create excitement and momentum within their ranks, knowing they must build on their established legacies. “We believe creating success within this new formula is key to fostering competitive spirit among our teams,” he noted. He also articulated the necessity of what he called a cohesive transition—planning for both continuity and momentum as they phase out Triple Eight.
While recognizing the natural challenge associated with replacing Triple Eight, which has set the benchmark within the sport, Payne conveyed optimism. “Each of the teams has their own unique style and operation,” he stated. “The challenge here is to maximize their collective competitiveness with our car.”
General Motors is now faced with the dual challenge of maintaining competitive performance and undertaking the task of establishing cohesive partnerships with their future homologation team. The upcoming season, expected to be the most thrilling yet for Supercars, will undoubtedly test GM's resolve and adaptability as they summon the spirit of competition against rival manufacturers.
With the season kicking off at Sydney Motorsport Park, fans eagerly anticipate how GM will adapt to these changes and what their new homologation team will bring to the track. The race is not just about cars; it’s about legacy, competitiveness, and the thrills of motorsport.