Supercars and Dunlop Announce Five-Year Extension to 2030

Supercars has announced a five-year extension with Dunlop, solidifying the iconic tyre brand’s position as the Official Tyre Sponsor and Supplier of the Repco Supercars Championship through at least 2030.

The agreement, which will see the partnership surpass the 25-year milestone, ensures Dunlop remains the exclusive supplier for both the premier category and the Dunlop Super2 Series.

As part of the extension, Dunlop will take the naming rights for the 2026 season opener, the Dunlop Sydney 500, and debut the “Dunlop Free Friday” initiative. This move is designed to lower the barrier for entry during a historic weekend that will see the Toyota GR Supra make its competitive racing debut, broadening the grid alongside the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Supercars CEO, James Warburton, said: “Dunlop has been a cornerstone of Supercars for more than 20 years, and this new agreement ensures that partnership continues well into the future.”

“We are delighted to introduce Dunlop Free Friday to kick off the 2026 season… giving fans the first chance to see the Toyota GR Supra take to the track,” Warburton said.

Emphasising the innovation link of both organisation, managing director of Dunlop Tyre Australia, Koji Fukuhara, added: “This partnership allows us to showcase Dunlop’s reliability and performance on Australasia’s biggest racing stage while engaging fans through initiatives like Dunlop Free Friday.”

2026 Season Opener: Dunlop Sydney 500

The extension places Dunlop at the forefront of the 2026 season launch at Sydney Motorsport Park (20–22 February).

• Dunlop Free Friday: Fans can access the venue for free on 20 February with an online registration, providing a high-access platform to witness the first ever Supercars race for the Toyota factory program.
• Toyota Debut: Six GR Supras will join the grid, with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) and Brad Jones Racing (BJR) leading the manufacturer’s maiden campaign.
• Technical Performance: Following the success of the 2025 “Soft” tyre compound, Dunlop continues to refine the Sport Maxx range to support the Gen3 platform’s high-intensity Sprint Cup format.

Long-Term Commercial Implications

The organisation’s commitment to Dunlop reinforces its “Total Category” approach, supporting both elite performance and the development pathway.

Dunlop retains naming rights for the Dunlop Super2 Series, ensuring continuity for the next generation of driving talent until 2030.

First joining as the control supplier in 2002, the new term cements one of the longest-running technical partnerships in Australian sporting history.

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