In the thrilling world of motorsport, where teams constantly evolve and drivers come and go faster than a pit stop, there's something truly heartwarming about loyalty that stands the test of time. Imagine a racing legend sticking around through triumphs and rebuilds – that's the story unfolding at Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) as they gear up for 2026, and it's got everyone buzzing! But here's where it gets controversial: is holding onto a seasoned pro the smart move in a sport hungry for fresh talent? Let's dive in and unpack this exciting update, step by step, so even if you're new to Supercars (that's Australia's premier touring car championship, blending speed, strategy, and endurance racing), you'll feel right at home.
Despite all the shake-ups Dick Johnson Racing has weathered – from ownership changes to team restructures – there's one constant poised to remain: the reliable presence of Tony D’Alberto. According to insider insights from V8 Sleuth, this veteran is lined up to stay on for his 11th straight Supercars Championship endurance event, proving that some partnerships are built to last.
Now, Tony, who'll hit the 40 mark next month, has become an absolute fan favorite within the Shell V-Power Racing squad. His journey has spanned glory days, including the trophy-winning era under Penske Racing, and through the challenging rebuilds that followed. As a former full-time Supercars competitor and even a TCR Australia champion (a feeder series for touring car racing that hones skills in smaller, more agile cars), he's known for his steady performance and no-nonsense approach. Sure, this year's endurance season had its hiccups – he racked up two penalties at the Bend 500 (one for an on-track collision and another for speeding in the pit lane) before a crash took him out of the Repco Bathurst 1000 (Australia's iconic 1000-kilometer race, often called the Great Race, where strategy and endurance are key). But DJR isn't sweating it; they've seen him rebound time and again with impressive results and minimal drama.
Speaking of those rebounds, Tony has contributed to two podium finishes at the Great Race for DJR – first in 2017 alongside Fabian Coulthard, and more recently in 2023 with Anton De Pasquale. These aren't just wins; they're testament to his ability to shine in high-stakes, long-format races where teamwork and precision matter most.
Looking ahead to next season, Tony will team up with Will Davison's successor, the young sensation Rylan Gray. This pairing offers a perfect blend of experience and emerging talent, giving the teenage rookie a guiding hand during the grueling endurance races that can make or break a newcomer's year. For context, Supercars endurance events like Bathurst demand co-drivers who can share the load, strategize pit stops, and adapt to changing conditions – think of it as a relay race on wheels!
And this is the part most people miss: the co-driver market is heating up with all sorts of intriguing shifts. Todd Hazelwood will reunite with Brodie Kostecki for 2026, a duo that's already tasted success by clinching this year's Bend 500 and conquering Bathurst together back when they raced for Erebus Motorsport. It's a match made in victory lane, but could it spark debates about whether teams should stick with proven pairs or experiment more?
Meanwhile, in other team news, Grove Racing has said goodbye to Dale Wood, opening doors for fresh faces. Rumors are swirling that James Courtney might be heading to Team 18, bringing his wealth of experience to a new chapter. And don't forget Jaxon Evans, who's strongly rumored to fill the co-driver spot at Walkinshaw Andretti United left vacant by Jayden Ojeda – a move that could inject youthful energy into the squad.
But here's where it gets really controversial: In a sport where rookies often bring innovation and excitement, is retaining a driver who's had notable slip-ups this year the bold bet DJR thinks it is, or a risky gamble on past glory? Some fans might argue it's a smart play on reliability, while others could say it's time for fresh blood to shake things up. What do you think – should teams prioritize veterans like Tony for their steady hands, or push for new stars to evolve the championship? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own take on the co-driver carousel!
