'Now was a good time': Former Bathurst 1000 champion Nick Percat announces retirement

Former Bathurst 1000 winner Nick Percat has announced he will retire from full-time racing after next month's Adelaide grand final. 

Percat's future has been the centre of attention for much of this year despite the fact he had another two years on his contract with Matt Stone Racing.

His retirement brings to close a career spanning 15 seasons (or 12 years) since his full-time debut in 2014.

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He drove for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, Brad Jones Racing, Walkinshaw Andretti United and Matt Stone Racing, winning six Supercars races including a Bathurst 1000 victory in 2011.

The 37-year-old said the decision to retire wasn't an easy one and explained that his involvement with JND Racing (the Queensland-based karting team Percat founded) would become his focus.

"So it has been quite a lengthy decision, but on the flip side, when one door closes, another opens," Percat said.

"There was probably an opportunity to stay on the grid but it's about making sure you put yourself in the right place at the right time. So for me, now was a good time.

"We have got a lot going on with the JND kart team which is keeping us quite busy. 

"When there was a decision to be made, I was actually at Ipswich Kart Club watching the kids drive around, and I realised how much I do enjoy giving back to the sport and how much I enjoy watching the kids progress and learn and grow. 

"So I was like, 'You know what? Life after Supercars is still very cool'. So that made it a lot easier.

"We'll fire up the JND stuff a bit bigger, and hopefully I'll be able to get myself a nice co-drive and keep putting in good drives for whoever it is I might be driving alongside, and try to get some big wins in the future." 

Looking back on his Supercars career, Percat admits thinking of the highlights gives him goosebumps.

"I look back at how fortunate I have been to be on the grid this long," he said. 

"Winning the Adelaide 500 is still one of the greatest achievements. Just to not crash the thing because we couldn't see, let alone to win the race at your home event, was amazing.

"Bathurst 2011 with Garth [Tander] and HRT is something I'll never forget, and every time it comes on I actually get goose bumps.

"Even this year, being involved in a one-two for MSR, and my one-two with Chaz [Mostert] for the last Holden event in 2022, I have been fortunate that when I do stand on the podium they are very cool races and very meaningful.

"I have so many people to thank. Obviously I can't look past Mum and Dad, because without them I never would have [had] the opportunity to race a car.

"And now to get to do my last Bathurst [race] as a main driver alongside Tim Slade is really, really cool because he is a good friend." 

Percat will make his final full-time appearance at next month's Adelaide grand final.

The announcement of his retirement clears one of the final remaining seats on the 2026 grid.