Andretti enters Supercars with Walkinshaw, United Autosport

Andretti Autosport, will race in Australia's Supercars Championship next season after joining forces with Walkinshaw Racing and United Autosports.

The trio will compete under the Walkinshaw Andretti United banner. Walkinshaw Racing current runs a pair of Holden Commodores for James Courtney and Scott Pye.

"To be able to partner with both Andretti Autosport and United Autosports is an honor," said Walkinshaw Racing chairman Ryan Walkinshaw.

"We've looked from a far at what both have to offer the team moving forward, which is why everyone should be so excited. Fundamentally, we are doing it differently. This combination of international expertise is a pivotal step in accelerating our development, getting us where we need to be. We've been looking for partners who can add value to this team, both on and off the track, so to be able to find that so resoundingly is the most pleasing element.

"It's not only an alliance of technical expertise, but commercial prowess. Their experience, knowledge and record, both on and off the race-track, gives us, our current partners, and any future partners, access to global networks and talent pools. Today is the beginning of a new era. We are still firmly focused on the job at hand for 2017, but eagerly looking forward to 2018."

Michael Andretti said that the partnership fits well alongside Andretti Autosport's diverse racing portfolio, which also includes Formula E, Global RallyCross and Indy Lights alongside its flagship IndyCar program.

"I'm very excited to announce our new partnership with Walkinshaw Racing and United Autosports," he said.

"I have always set a goal for Andretti Autosport to diversify and succeed across multiple platforms, and this opportunity is a natural next step for the team as we continue to expand globally. Together with Walkinshaw Racing and United Autosports, we now have three iconic organizations working together. We are determined to succeed, and I have full confidence that this new venture, Walkinshaw Andretti United, will become a leading Supercars team."

Zak Brown, United Autosports team owner and chairman, said:

"I'm delighted United Autosports have joined forces with Walkinshaw Racing and Andretti Autosport. It is bringing together three iconic names in motorsport across three continents – Europe, Australia and America, where we can share our experience and resources to make each team stronger."

Andretti is the second IndyCar team to expand into Supercars in recent years. Team Penske entered a partnership with Dick Johnson Racing in 2014.