The opening race at QR has made history by producing the youngest Supercars podium ever. [IMAGE0CONTEXT:ktmunknown] Super2 Series leader Rylan Gray, at just 18 years old, and recent race winner Jackson Walls, aged 22, are among the young talents eager to break into the championship. With Tickford Racing securing multi-year contracts for Cam Waters and Thomas Randle, Gray is now seeking opportunities elsewhere for his big break. Currently enjoying a remarkable second season in Super2 and gearing up for an endurance wildcard campaign, Gray assesses his chances of a full-time transition in 2026 as “50:50.”
“It’s incredibly challenging to enter the main game these days,” he remarked. “Most drivers switch teams, which leaves little room for newcomers. Our focus will be on Super2, aiming to clinch the championship, while keeping our heads down and hoping for an opportunity to arise.”
Rylan Gray’s Aspirations
[IMAGE1CONTEXT:genericunknown] Rylan Gray. Image: InSyde Media. Walls, who transitioned from Carrera Cup to Super2 this year with Triple Eight, shares a similar sentiment. “Breaking into the main game is tough now due to contracts, and it seems everyone just swaps seats,” he explained. “Instead of some drivers potentially leaving, they stay and take their budget to a different team. Just being part of the main game is the ultimate goal.”
Reinforcing his point, Gray highlighted the recent achievements of young drivers in the Supercars Championship. The Ipswich Super440 last weekend set a new record for the youngest Supercars podium, with Broc Feeney, Kai Allen, and Ryan Wood averaging just over 21 years of age. This record was only recently established, as Feeney, Allen, and Matt Payne in Darwin had previously broken a marker that had stood for over two years.
“You can see some of the older drivers just switching teams, which doesn’t benefit anyone,” Gray added. “Meanwhile, younger drivers are securing more race wins and podiums, indicating the direction in which the future is heading… it’s clear that young talent is thriving now.”
Jackson Walls’ Goals
While Gray is keen to step up in 2026, Walls has set his sights on 2027 for a Supercars Championship opportunity, likely embarking on a second Super2 season with Triple Eight next year. “I’m not trying to set any expectations for myself; I’m taking it one step at a time,” he stated. “We know what our goal is for 2027, and we’re strategizing from that point.”
[IMAGE2CONTEXT:bmw_200] Jackson Walls. Image: Supplied. However, Walls is determined not to settle for anything less than the Super2 title this year. His victory on Sunday places the Triple Eight driver fifth in the standings, trailing the four Tickford drivers by less than 200 points behind Gray. “I didn’t enter this category to finish fifth or to be the rookie champion; I came here to be a champion,” Walls emphasized. “If anyone isn’t aiming for that goal in this category, they shouldn’t be racing; it’s as simple as that. I strive to win as many races as possible.”
The Super2 Series will continue at the Bathurst 1000 from October 9-12.