PremiAir manufacturer future up in the air
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 11 April 2025
After reportedly being overlooked to become the new GM homologation team, PremiAir Racing cannot commit to which brand it will represent in 2026, but wants to keep Roland Dane by its side.
As recently as the previous Supercars round, PremiAir Racing was the hot favourite to take the coveted role for Chevrolet from Triple Eight.
But just weeks later Team 18 is now the front runner and some rumours suggest PremiAir is considering following Triple Eight from Chevrolet to Ford in 2026.
PremiAir Racing representative Richard Smith fronted the teams press conference at the Taupo Super440 in the absence of boss Peter Xiberras who is attending his son’s wedding.
Smith touched on PremiAir’s reaction to missing the homologation team role, which was something the team craved and the reason why Triple Eight founder Dane was seen around their garage at the Australian Grand Prix.
Smith admitted there were “encouraging signs” on the homologation team front, but now that is gone they will “go after” Dane having also recently welcomed Gwyn Dolphin as the new CEO.
“It was quite encouraging during the Grand Prix being the leading team and we were quite comfortable with that,” Smith said.
“We have been with GM for a long time and since our beginning in Supercars.
“It had always been our goal to be the leading GM car on track.
“But in saying that we are currently assessing what we are going to do in 2026 and what that will look like.
“It is common that Roland has been an assistance for us for going after the HT.
“Roland has taken a team (Triple Eight) from our position in pit lane to the top so his input in the team will be invaluable.
“So far it has only been to get the HT over the line and I am of the understanding GM has approached him to work for them and I hope he does not accept that job and remains with us.
“He would be a great asset and as a team we should go after him hard and utilise what he has got to offer.”
In regards to 2026, Smith admitted he could not confirm if PremiAir would carry on in Camaros.
“I don’t know at the moment we can say that (running Camaros in 2026),” he said.
“Peter is emotionally attached to GM but this is a business and we have to look at it as a business and what that will look like in 2026.
“We are making significant investment in our future on track and it is a business and we have to look at all options.”
PremiAir drivers Richie Stanaway and James Golding finished ninth and 16th respectively in the opening practice at the Taupo Super440.
Taupo Super440
Practice 1 – 1: A. Heimgartner 1:26.8830 2: Anton De Pasquale +0.0258 3: Matt Payne +0.0830
Fri 12.30-13.00: Supercars Practice 2
Sat 8.25-8.55: Supercars Race 8 Qualifying
Sat 9.05-9.35: Supercars Race 9 Qualifying
Sat 10.50: Supercars Race 8 (37 laps)
Sat 14.05: Supercars Race 9 (37 laps)
Sun 8.35-9.05: Supercars Race 10 Qualifying
Sun 10.50-11.35: Supercars Race 10 Top 10 Shootout
Sun 13.05: Supercars Race 10 (61 laps)
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