New Zealand motorsport driver Richie Stanaway has scored a full-time drive for next year's Supercars Championship.
The-26 year-old has signed a multi-year deal with Prodrive Racing, and will race alongside Chaz Mostert, Cameron Waters, and Mark Winterbottom to form the team's four-driver lineup for 2018.
Stanaway had an outstanding season as a co-driver, including an endurance victory alongside Waters at Sandown.
He said he has fulfilled a childhood dream after signing the contract.
"It's been coming along for a while, but it's good to finally have the deal done. It's been a childhood dream for me to race in Supercars, so it's great to check that off the bucket list," Stanaway said in a statement.
"It's been so long since I've had a proper full time, long time project to commit myself to. It makes a big difference in my mindset, and it's an opportunity I'm really grateful for.
"I'm really thankful that the team have believed in me and not only given me the chance to co-drive for a couple years, but given me the amazing opportunity to come and drive full time."
Team principal and CEO Tim Edwards can't wait to see the Tauranga driver on the track in 2018.
"We're obviously delighted to have Richie aboard with us full time," Edwards said in a statement.
"For as young as he is, he brings more experience and achievements to the table than a lot of veterans, and he's impressed us every time we've put him on track.
"He's proven he deserves a top quality ride in this sport, and I'm glad he'll be racing for us rather than against us."
There will be five New Zealanders competing in the Supercars in 2018 with Scott McLaughlin, Shane Van Gisbergen, Fabian Coulthard and Andre Heimgartner all competing.
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