Heartbreak for Super2 fans! A brand new team's entry into the Dunlop Super2 Series has been dramatically postponed. 99motorsport, led by Marcus LaDelle, will unfortunately not be gracing the Super2 grid this season, putting a damper on what many hoped would be a fresh injection of competition.
Last year, 99motorsport excitedly announced their plans to tackle the 2026 season. The vision was ambitious: field a pair of Triple Eight-built Commodore Supercars, acquired through a lease agreement with PremiAir Racing's owner, Peter Xiberras. It seemed like all the pieces were falling into place for a strong debut.
But here's where it gets controversial... LaDelle has officially confirmed that these carefully laid plans are now on hold. The culprit? A frustrating inability to lock down suitable drivers. Securing talented drivers early is critical for any team's success, as it allows for proper preparation and team cohesion. Without that foundation, competing effectively becomes near impossible.
So, what's next for 99motorsport? For the time being, they'll be shifting their focus to other racing categories. Think of it as a strategic pivot, a regrouping of resources before making another determined push to realize their Super2 dream next year. This allows them to maintain momentum and continue developing their team, rather than rushing into Super2 unprepared.
"It’s disappointing that I couldn’t make it work for a second year in a row,” LaDelle told V8 Sleuth, clearly expressing his frustration. He acknowledged the understanding shown by Peter Xiberras, emphasizing their continued collaboration to eventually bring Super2 cars to 99motorsport. "Pete has been understanding throughout this and we’ll continue to work on getting Super2 cars to 99."
And this is the part most people miss... LaDelle pointed to the timing of announcements and uncertainty surrounding other series as contributing factors. "It certainly wasn’t made easy with a lot of announcements so late, a lot of guys committed to Porsche early through the uncertainty." This highlights the complex interplay between different racing series and the decisions drivers must make, often influenced by factors beyond their immediate control.
He elaborated, "We had some great conversations with exceptionally talented drivers, but unfortunately we just couldn’t get anything together early enough with the February SMSP first round." The pressure to finalize driver lineups before the season opener is immense, and missing that window can have significant consequences.
Despite this setback, LaDelle remains optimistic about the future. "Super2 is still the crown jewel in my roadmap for the 99motorsport program," he affirmed. In the meantime, the team will continue to invest in their TGRA86 and GR Cup programs, using these platforms to hone their skills and build a stronger foundation for their eventual Super2 entry. Think of it as building the ladder to the top, one rung at a time.
Before setting their sights on Super2, 99motorsport had previously dipped their toes into TCR Australia. LaDelle himself actively participated in GT4 Australia last year, showcasing his commitment to motorsports across different disciplines. This experience will undoubtedly prove valuable as they navigate the challenges of Super2 in the future.
Currently, only six drivers have been officially confirmed for the 2026 Super2 grid. However, don't expect it to stay that way for long! A flurry of announcements is anticipated from established teams like Eggleston Motorsport, Anderson Motorsport, Image Racing, Brad Jones Racing, Matt Stone Racing, and the Blanchard Racing Team. The Super2 landscape is constantly evolving, making it an exciting series to follow.
So, what do you think? Is the postponement of 99motorsport's entry a sign of the challenges facing new teams entering Super2? Or is it simply a temporary setback on their path to success? Do you agree with LaDelle's assessment that late announcements contributed to their difficulties? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your perspective on this developing story.
