Get ready for a major shake-up in the world of motorsport! BJR is gearing up for a transformative season with a bold restructuring plan and a high-stakes Toyota campaign. But here's where it gets interesting: the team's engineering lineup has been completely overhauled, sparking both excitement and debate among fans and insiders alike.
The Albury-based squad is set to field Toyota Supras for drivers André Heimgartner, Macauley Jones, and newcomer Cam Hill. Meanwhile, the SCT Motorsport entry has made a surprising shift to Triple Eight, leaving many to wonder about the implications. Is this a strategic move or a risky gamble?
In a move that’s sure to spark discussion, BJR has reassigned veteran engineer Phil Keed, previously with Bryce Fullwood’s #14 car, to Heimgartner’s #8 Supra. Keed’s reputation for precision and innovation makes this a significant change. But here’s the part most people miss: Heimgartner’s former engineer, Tony Woodward, has departed after 11 years, joining Blanchard Racing Team as engineering manager for James Golding. Does this signal a shift in BJR’s long-term strategy, or is it simply a natural evolution?
Back at BJR, Jason Bonney steps up from data engineer to take Keed’s place on the #14 car now driven by Hill. Similarly, Randall Chua has been promoted from data to race engineer on Macauley Jones’ machine, swapping roles with Paul Scalzo. And this is the part that could divide opinions: Scalzo retains his position as head of engineering across all three cars, while Julian Stannard, formerly with the SCT car, transitions to a performance engineer role. Is this restructuring a masterstroke or a potential weakness?
Team owner Brad Jones framed these changes as a reflection of BJR’s ethos of internal growth. “We needed to restructure our engineering department for 2026, especially with the shift to three cars and the development of the Toyota program,” he explained. “This restructure plays to our strengths. We have incredible talent, and I’m confident they’ll achieve our goals.”
Jones highlighted the promotions of Bonney and Chua, emphasizing their proven skills and dedication. “I believe in giving people opportunities and creating pathways within our team. Jason and Randall are not only capable but highly skilled. I’m excited to see what they’ll accomplish,” he added.
BJR is currently in overdrive, preparing its three Toyotas for the new season, having partnered with homologation team Walkinshaw TWG. “This is a massive year for us,” Jones stressed. “The pressure is on, but that’s when our team shines. I’m incredibly proud of how the Toyota project is progressing and can’t wait to hit the track.”
But here’s the controversial question: With such significant changes and high stakes, is BJR setting itself up for success or risking instability? And what does this mean for the team’s long-term competitiveness in the V8 Supercars championship? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take on this bold new chapter for BJR!
