What's new in 2025: Stanaway in a PremiAir Camaro
Supercars.com is highlighting some key on- and off-track changes coming in 2025, continuing with arguably a driver's final chance.
“There is no doubting Richie is exceptionally talented."
They were the words of PremiAir Racing team owner Peter Xiberras at the time of Richie Stanaway's signing, with the New Zealander joining the Gold Coast squad for 2025.
It marks the latest and, perhaps, final full-time chance for Stanaway in Supercars, following rollercoaster stints at Tickford Racing, Garry Rogers Motorsport and Penrite Racing.
Make no mistake, Stanaway can drive. A Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 winner, Stanaway has already achieved more than many in the sport, but has long wanted to make an impact across a whole season.
In 2025, he has that chance with PremiAir, which proved it is on the up last season with a maiden pole and podium for James Golding.
The move
A triumphant victory in the 2023 Great Race came after Stanaway's Penrite Racing deal had already been made public, and there were high hopes for the Kiwi.
However, despite leaving Round 1 in fourth overall, Stanaway's 2024 didn't go to plan, with poor one-lap pace undoing his hopes. After news broke of his release, Stanaway coincidentally hit form, topping sessions in Tasmania and Sandown, and ran as top Ford for much of the Repco Bathurst 1000. He also claimed a front row start on the Gold Coast.
Sadly, he didn't get to race in Adelaide, being ruled out due to concussion following a crash in qualifying. It was an unfortunate end to the brief partnership, with Stanaway finding genuine form. It was too little, too late, although his PremiAir deal had already been announced by that stage.
Stanaway's hopes
Stanaway replaces the retired Tim Slade, who finished a disappointing 20th overall compared to Golding's standout seventh. So, the immediate focus will be to better than, although Stanaway won't be satisfied with anything less than a top 10.
The Kiwi is a winner across many different categories, but has settled on making it work in the toughest touring car championship in the world. Given the pedigree of his previous teams, it's fair to suggest there will be scepticism in some parts over the PremiAir deal.
However, while Xiberras wanted Brodie Kostecki's signature, Stanaway could prove a masterstroke for the team, which found its feet in 2024 after two bruising formative seasons. If Stanaway can find one-lap speed, there's no doubt the team will continue to move forward, given Golding's sparkling form.
Let's not forget, the last time Stanaway steered a Triple Eight-build Camaro, he won the biggest race of them all. So, he'll be no stranger to the machinery.
Importantly, Golding and Stanaway have history going back to 2019 with GRM, whilst Stanaway also has a connection with race engineer Andrew Gilliam through online sim racing.
A strong engineering group led by Ludo Lacroix could also be a big help for Stanaway. While Golding will be looking to stay as the lead driver, Stanaway can focus on making the most of his final chance. If both boxes are ticked, PremiAir could well end its wait for wins.
Other driver change case studies in the Gen3 era
Stanaway will have the rare distinction of driving for three different teams in as many years in the Gen3 era, and is swapping a Grove Racing Ford for a PremiAir Chevrolet. As mentioned, however, the PremiAir cars are built by Triple Eight.
He is one of three driver-manufacturer changes in 2025, alongside Kostecki (Erebus Motorsport to Dick Johnson Racing) and Anton De Pasquale (DJR to Team 18).
Between 2023 and 2024, there were two moves of drivers changing manufacturers; Nick Percat and David Reynolds, both from Ford to Chevrolet. Percat impressed, winning races with Matt Stone Racing and finishing eighth overall.
It was a tougher story for Reynolds, who left Penrite Racing and went backwards at Team 18. Stanaway will be hoping he doesn't suffer the same fate, and instead turns his tough times in Penrite colours into bright PremiAir memories.
Where he had the rising Matt Payne as his teammate, Stanaway will have the familiar voice of Golding in the garage, with the latter maturing greatly in recent years to become a podium hopeful. Should Stanaway manage to rebuild himself at PremiAir, he could find an unlikely long-term home. If not, Xiberras has a history of swinging the axe.
Tickets for the season-opening round in Sydney, on February 21-23, are on sale now.
