Matt Stone Racing have committed to run a Holden ZB Commodore in 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, with Todd Hazelwood behind the wheel.
In preparation for next year the team will use their VF model car for the remainder of this season, the same car that saw them take out the 2017 Dunlop Super2 title.
Team owner Matt Stone said the decision for next year came after months of analysis and planning.
“The team have decided to run a ZB Commodore in 2019 and feel that racing the VF model starting at The Bend will better prepare us for next year’s season,” Stone said.
“We are excited about this new partnership, which will see us form a technical support package with Triple 8 next season.”
Hazelwood said the team have worked hard in preparation for next year and added that he has confidence in the change.
“I believe this new direction will help us move forward as a team, this was no overnight decision and I feel very confident with the changes put in place,” Hazelwood said.
“I am fortunate that I have very smart and successful people in my corner who were able to help analyse the best direction for the team.
“I’m very excited to be back in my Super2 winning car for the remainder of the season … I cannot thank everyone involved at MSR for making this switch possible and I’m really looking forward to racing at The Bend for the first time.”
The Bigmate Racing VF Commodore will be one of two entered for the OTR SuperSprint, while it will be the only one for the remainder of events in the Championship.
Hazelwood thanked the team’s fans and sponsors for their commitment into their Supercars programme.
“A special thank you must go to our team partners and supporters for their long-term commitment and understanding during this process,” Hazelwood added.
“I believe this new direction will help us move forward as a team and I cannot wait to see what we can achieve for the remainder of the season.”
The Bigmate Racing team will compete at The Bend Motorsport Park for the first time on 24-26 August.
