Amidst the whirlwind of changes in the racing world, a familiar name is poised to remain constant. Dick Johnson Racing is gearing up to keep Tony D'Alberto on board for the 2026 Supercars Championship enduro campaign, marking an impressive 11th consecutive season. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite a recent blip in performance, D'Alberto's value remains unquestioned.
D'Alberto, a beloved member of the Shell V-Power Racing family, has been a pillar of reliability during their championship-winning years and subsequent rebuilding phases. However, this season's enduro campaign saw a rare dip in form, with penalties at The Bend 500 and a crash at the Repco Bathurst 1000. But is one bad season enough to cast doubt on a proven performer?
The answer, according to Dick Johnson Racing, is a resounding no. They're backing D'Alberto to bounce back, having consistently delivered stellar performances with minimal drama. His record speaks for itself, including two Great Race podium finishes in 2017 and 2023 with different co-drivers.
Next year, D'Alberto will team up with Rylan Gray, who steps into Will Davison's shoes. This experienced partnership will be a crucial asset during the longest races of Gray's rookie season. Meanwhile, Todd Hazelwood and Brodie Kostecki will reunite, fresh off their victory at this year's Bend 500 and a previous Bathurst win with Erebus Motorsport.
The co-driver market is buzzing with activity. Grove Racing and Dale Wood have parted ways, James Courtney is rumored to join Team 18, and Jaxon Evans is linked to the Walkinshaw Andretti United co-drive, filling the spot left by Jayden Ojeda. But will these changes pay off, or is experience the ultimate trump card?
As the dust settles on these decisions, one thing is clear: the 2026 season promises to be a thrilling ride, with D'Alberto's retention at Dick Johnson Racing a testament to loyalty and belief in second chances. Do you think experience is the ultimate deciding factor in racing, or is it time to shake things up and give newcomers a chance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
