Big news for racing fans! Nick Percat, a well-known name in the Supercars scene, is making a significant move, and it involves a landmark deal with Toyota. This deal marks an exciting shift for the JND squad, known for their success in karting. They're making their car racing debut this weekend, thanks to a merger with 6868 Motorsport and Parolin Australia.
This partnership means we'll see Zane Rinaldi behind the wheel of a JND Toyota 86 at the Gold Coast and Sandown races this year. Meanwhile, JND will continue to focus on karting, but now with Parolin chassis.
Looking ahead to next year, JND is planning to expand its presence, fielding a total of four Toyotas. Two will compete in the GR Cup, and another two will participate in the Scholarship series. This expansion shows a real commitment to nurturing young talent and providing a clear pathway for drivers.
The deal also brings new ownership to JND. Daniel Forkings and Deik Lack are joining as co-owners, while Pete Crossingham will step into the role of team manager. This new structure is designed to strengthen the team and provide even more opportunities for drivers.
As Nick Percat himself put it, "JND Racing now has a complete pathway from karts to cars, we feel like we offer everything a driver needs to succeed with a clear pathway." It's a comprehensive approach that aims to support drivers every step of the way.
This weekend, we'll see their debut in the GR Cup at the Gold Coast with Zane Rinaldi. Percat highlights Rinaldi's talent, saying he's "a good young steerer who runs at the front." It's a great opportunity for Rinaldi to get back on track quickly after the Bathurst race.
Next year, the plan includes two GR Cup cars and two or three in the Scholarship Series. The team is aiming to finalize their driver lineup for both series before Christmas, with the hope of including a driver who has been karting with JND for the past year.
But here's where it gets interesting... JND is also expanding its karting team. While the exact number isn't confirmed yet, they're planning to field around 15 karts in 2026. This shows a long-term vision and commitment to the sport.
Percat also mentioned their focus on helping all Parolin drivers across the country, ensuring the Parolin kart remains competitive.
And this is the part most people miss... Percat is set to retire from his full-time Supercars career at the end of this season. This Toyota deal is a new chapter in his career.
What do you think of this exciting new venture? Do you believe this is a good move for Percat and JND? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
