DJR has announced its 2026 Enduro Cup driver lineup, revealing an intriguing team composition that promises an exciting season ahead. The team has made a bold move by confirming the long-speculated partnership between veteran driver D'Alberto and rookie Rylan Gray. This decision comes as a surprise to many, given the recent underwhelming performance at Bathurst, which led to the departure of Will Davison.
The announcement officially completes DJR's Enduro Cup squad, with Todd Hazelwood continuing his successful partnership with star driver Brodie Kostecki. D'Alberto's 10th enduro campaign with DJR last year ended abruptly due to a crash at Forrest's Elbow. Despite this setback, DJR has shown confidence in D'Alberto's abilities by retaining him to guide the 19-year-old Gray.
D'Alberto, who recently turned 40, expressed his eagerness to turn things around in 2026, stating, '2025 was a disappointing year for me personally, and I'm eager to turn things around with Rylan.' He acknowledges the age gap but is confident in using his experience to help Gray succeed. D'Alberto's partnership with Gray marks the fifth different primary driver he has paired with during his time at DJR/DJR Team Penske, including notable co-drives with Scott Pye, Fabian Coulthard, Anton De Pasquale, and Will Davison.
DJR executive Chairman Ryan Story AM is optimistic about the team's prospects, aiming for more Enduro Cup success after last year's Bend 500 victory by Kostecki and Hazelwood. Story praised D'Alberto's experience and knowledge, stating, 'Tony's a great asset to the Shell V-Power Racing Team, and we know his experience, attitude, and knowledge will be of huge benefit to all of us in 2026.'
The team's car numbers for 2026 are yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that Kostecki will take over the famous #17, previously driven by Davison. The stability and experience of D'Alberto combined with the raw talent of Gray, and the proven race-winning pairing of Kostecki and Hazelwood, are expected to be a thrilling sight for fans. However, this decision has sparked controversy, as some question the choice of D'Alberto over Davison, who was recently released due to the team's lackluster performance at Bathurst. This has led to an interesting discussion among fans, with many expressing their opinions in the comments section. Will DJR's decision pay off, or will it be a missed opportunity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Enduro Cup is shaping up to be an exciting and controversial season.
