Twenty-six year-old Stanaway has been signed to a multi-year deal with PRA, after a highly impressive 2017 endurance race campaign with the team in which he claimed victory in the Sandown 500 alongside Cameron Waters.

Stanaway joins Chaz Mostert, Cameron Waters, and Mark Winterbottom to form the team’s four-driver lineup for 2018.

The highly rated Stanaway is relatively new to Supercars racing but boasts an international racing resume few of the current Supercars stars can match.

He will be the only full time Supercars driver to have competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours, and he has scored race or class wins in the World Endurance Championship, Formula 2, and GP3.

“Obviously it’s good to have everything ready,” said Stanaway. “It’s been coming along for a while, but it’s good to finally have the deal done. It’s been a childhood dream for me to race in Supercars, so it’s great to check that off the bucket list.

“I’m aware that I’ve got a long road ahead of me and a lot to learn, but I’m really motivated. I’m putting my best foot forward, and want to learn as much as I possibly can in my rookie season. I’m expecting it to be tough, that’s just a realistic approach.”

One thing the young Kiwi is looking forward to is being able to focus on a hull season in one category – something he has not enjoyed since 2014. His past three seasons have been fragmented across different categories, sometimes in different countries.

“That makes a huge difference, I think,” he said. “It’s been so long since I’ve had a proper full time, long time project to commit myself to. It makes a big difference in my mind set, and it’s an opportunity I’m really grateful for. I’m really thankful that the team have believed in me and not only given me the chance to co-drive for a couple years, but given me the amazing opportunity to come and drive full time.”

PRA team principal and CEO Tim Edwards said he is pleased to have been able to lock Stanaway in for 2018.

“We’re obviously delighted to have Richie aboard with us full time. For as young as he is, he brings more experience and achievements to the table than a lot of veterans, and he’s impressed us every time we’ve put him on track. He’s proven he deserves a top quality ride in this sport, and I’m glad he’ll be racing for us rather than against us.”