NASCAR is poised to welcome a third Supercars graduate with Brad Keselowski’s team

NASCAR and Supercars share V8 engines, both using four-speed manuals with NASCAR producing 800-940 hp and Supercars around 635 hp.

NASCAR is poised to welcome a third Supercars graduate with Brad Keselowski’s team

Brad Keselowski (Via IMAGO)

NASCAR is gearing up for another infusion of Aussie talent as Cam Waters, another Supercars sensation, prepares to hit the American ovals in 2024. Waters is set to join the NASCAR Cup Series with Brad Keselowski‘s RFK Racing for three high-octane races, fuelled by none other than Monster Energy.

Waters, a standout with Tickford Racing down under, brings an impressive Supercars record to the NASCAR grid – 10 victories and 43 podium finishes in 150 starts. His move to NASCAR aligns with a broader trend of Australian drivers eyeing the American circuit, with a spotlight on road races and the all-new Chicago street course.

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As reported by Speedcafe.com, Waters is set to emulate Supercars champions Shane van Gisbergen and Brodie Kostecki by making a foray into NASCAR. Having secured a connection with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing during a pre-Bathurst 1000 U.S. visit, facilitated by his Monster sponsorship, Waters is reportedly receiving backing from the energy drink giant for his NASCAR transition. 

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With Monster’s support and Supercars drivers gaining traction in NASCAR after van Gisbergen’s successful debut, Waters’ renewed contract with Tickford Racing allows him to explore NASCAR opportunities before committing to full-time Supercars competition in 2025. Despite tempting offers, Waters opted to stay with Tickford Racing, anticipating a resurgence with upcoming Supercars adjustments.

The driver migrations from Supercars to NASCAR mirrors the 2000s’ Open Wheel Invasion

RFK Racing, welcoming Waters into its fold for 2024, adds another layer to this motorsport crossover. The potential Daytona 500 appearance during “Stage 60” heightens the anticipation, drawing parallels to NASCAR’s historic “Open Wheel invasion” of the late 2000s. Waters’ entry into this NASCAR spectacle is not just a pit stop; it’s a shift that resonates with fans worldwide.

Shane van Gisbergen with Cam Waters
Shane van Gisbergen with Cam Waters (Credits: X)

Waters, with roots in go-karts and a journey through Formula Vee and Australian Formula Ford, brings a rich racing history to NASCAR. His decade-long association with Ford, dating back to his Formula Ford days, forms the cornerstone of his connection with RFK Racing. Racing enthusiasts eagerly await the confirmation of this cross-continental racing alliance.

As the Australian speedster transitions from the Repco Supercars Championship to the high-speed realms of NASCAR, it marks a significant moment in the ongoing exchange of talent between these two dynamic racing series. Waters’ bold move showcases the universal allure of NASCAR, where international racers find a common ground to rev their engines and chase glory on the iconic American tracks.

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