BJR and PremiAir in talks to ditch Chevrolet as GM reshuffles Supercars plans
By Andrew Clarke
Date posted: 8 April 2025
Brad Jones Racing and PremiAir Racing are in advanced discussions with Toyota and Ford, which could see either or both teams leave Chevrolet in 2026. BJR is eyeing a move to Toyota and PremiAir doing the same with Ford.
While neither team nor manufacturer has made anything official, multiple sources suggest deals are nearing completion, but there may be a few speed humps still to navigate.
These developments come as General Motors looks to stabilise its Supercars program following the unexpected defection of Triple Eight to Ford earlier this year. In response, GM is preparing to appoint Team 18 as its new Homologation Team (HT) for 2026 and beyond, while shifting more engineering work to its Charlotte Technical Center in the US. This shift reduces the traditional importance of the HT, now more of a regulatory formality than a development hub.
To support its remaining teams, GM plans to implement a shared data system where contributing teams can access pooled information. However, that hasn’t been enough to convince BJR or PremiAir to commit to wearing bow ties unequivocally.
BJR is widely believed to be on the verge of switching its four-car squad to Toyota. It is believed that Toyota has made approaches and is impressed with the team’s size, and in addition the teams operational and manufacturing capability are seen as key attractions.
While no decisions have been made Jones is said to be considering his options and is in no hurry, but has indicated that staying with the Chevrolet squad is seen to be the safest and easiest option.
Toyota’s strict vetting process appears to have concluded in BJR’s favour after taking a serious look at Matt Stone Racing, though team boss Brad Jones has stayed tight-lipped.
Macauley Jones, Chevrolet Camaro, and Richie Stanaway, PremiAir Racing Camaro, battle it out at the 2025 AGP meeting. Both teams could race with different manufacturers in 2026.
PremiAir’s potential defection is more surprising. Once considered the frontrunner to replace Triple Eight as GM’s HT, internal politics reportedly derailed that plan—particularly resistance from other GM teams toward the involvement of ex-Triple Eight boss Roland Dane.
PremiAir, led by team owner Peter Xiberras, has since shifted focus and begun talks with Ford to hopefully maintain its technical alliance with Triple Eight. The team recently appointed Gwyn Dolphin as CEO, signalling a push to raise its on-track competitiveness.
PremiAir’s Peter Xiberras has recently appointed Gwyn Dolphin as CEO and is looking to improve on-track performance.
Switching manufacturers comes at a cost, estimated at around $1 million for a two-car team, but incentives from Toyota and Ford are expected to offset the financial burden. With Gen3 regulations, the transition is more manageable than in the past, involving mostly bodywork, clips and engine changes.
If BJR and PremiAir exit, GM will be left with just six entries across Erebus Motorsport, Matt Stone Racing, and Team 18—its smallest footprint in Supercars history. Unless GM can lure another team from Ford, it will lose its long-held status as the championship’s dominant manufacturer.
All three moves—BJR to Toyota, PremiAir to Ford, and Team 18 taking over as HT—are expected to be finalised shortly after the upcoming Taupo round, though formal announcements may be delayed.
More detailed analysis in Auto Action Premium, on sale from Thursday April 10th, at participating outlets.
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