In a move that’s sure to spark debate among racing fans, Triple Eight driver Will Brown has thrown his weight behind a rival Supercars competitor, and it’s not just about the money. Brown has personally sponsored Zach Bates, who’s set to make his full-time Supercars debut with Matt Stone Racing this year. But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t your typical sponsorship deal. It’s a deeply personal investment, funded through Brown’s family-owned transport business, Will Brown Transport (WBT), which he co-owns with his father, Shane. The partnership will see WBT’s branding prominently displayed on Bates’ helmet, marking a unique alliance between two rising stars in the racing world.
This isn’t Brown’s first rodeo when it comes to supporting Bates. In fact, Brown played a pivotal role in facilitating Bates’ move to Eggleston Motorsport for the 2025 Super2 season, showcasing a long-standing commitment to his fellow racer’s success. During the latest episode of the Lucky Dogs podcast, which Brown co-hosts with Brodie Kostecki, he shed light on the deal. “It’s not Lucky Dogs [sponsorship],” Brown clarified, referencing the podcast’s previous backing of junior drivers. “I didn’t want to dip into Brodie’s pocket for this one,” he added with a laugh.
Brown went on to explain the origins of WBT, revealing that it’s an extension of his family’s business ventures. “We’ve got the car yard, but about a year and a half ago, my dad and I bought trucks and started KDK Car Carriers. Now, we’re rebranding it as Will Brown Transport,” he said. This shift isn’t just about logistics—it’s about creating opportunities for drivers like Bates, whom Brown describes as part of a “great family.”
And this is the part most people miss: Brown’s support for Bates isn’t just about charity; it’s a strategic bet on his potential. Bates is one of five rookies entering Supercars this year, alongside Jayden Ojeda, Jobe Stewart, Jackson Walls, and Rylan Gray. During the podcast, Kostecki and Brown debated who’d emerge as the top rookie, with Kostecki backing his new teammate Gray, while Brown tipped both Gray and Bates as likely standouts. “Rylan looked strong in Super2, but I think Zach didn’t get a fair shot to show his true potential last year,” Brown argued. “If MSR steps up their game, Zach could really shine. He qualified fifth at QR last year in one of our cars—that’s no small feat.”
But here’s the controversial part: Is Brown’s support for Bates a smart investment or a risky gamble? While some might see it as a generous gesture, others could argue it’s a strategic move to foster a future rival. After all, Supercars is a cutthroat world, and alliances today could become rivalries tomorrow. What do you think? Is Brown’s backing of Bates a noble act of camaraderie, or is there more to this story than meets the eye? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s bound to rev up some engines!
