Zach Bates will look to add a new chapter to his family's racing legacy as he embarks on his second Super2 campaign with Walkinshaw Andretti United.
Zach Bates will look to add a new chapter to his family's racing legacy as he embarks on his second Super2 campaign with Walkinshaw Andretti United.
Bates, the son of rally driver Rick Bates and the nephew of multiple Australian champion Neal Bates, debuted with WAU last year, and scored an overall podium at Mount Panorama.
Cousins Harry and Lewis have also found success in rallying, but Zach has elected to pursue a four-wheel career on tarmac.
Starting in karts at age 10, Bates previously raced in Formula Ford and won the national title in 2021.
Bates carved out a brilliant Toyota 86 career, winning nine races in 2021 including eight in a row. In 2022, Bates won seven of 15 races.
In 2023, Bates raced alongside Kiwi debutant Ryan Wood, who dominated with more race wins, round wins and poles than any other driver. Bates held his own, however, and showed supreme pace as the season wore on.
Bates is joined by rookie Campbell Logan in 2024.