Pye, 22, brings with him extensive experience in some of the world’s most fiercely competitive open-wheel series.

He was the 2010 British Formula Ford Champion after graduating from a top three finish in the domestic series.

2011 was spent honing his skills in British Formula 3, and 2012 will mark his first year of competition in a touring car.

Triple Eight Race Engineering has been a driving force behind Pye in seasons past, and Team Owner Roland Dane is confident that the Adelaide born-and-raised pilot has what it takes to succeed in the V8 Supercar Development Series.

“Scott has been on our radar for some time and we have supported him in his Formula Ford and Formula 3 pursuits overseas where he has tasted great success,” said Dane.

“At 22 he is still a star on the rise and we believe he has the skills and determination to succeed in touring cars.

“We have signed Scott on a two-year deal which will see him involved in day-to-day operations at the workshop and ride days, a program we believe will truly allow him to develop as an all-round driver,” he continued.

“Last year we selected a driver with experience and set ourselves a clear goal of a championship win which we achieved.

“Our goal with Scott is to see him improve and learn everything there is to know about these cars. He has the potential to be successful at the highest level and most importantly has the attitude and desire to get it done,” Dane added.

Pye said he was excited to continue his association with Triple Eight Race Engineering and had high expectations for his debut touring car championship season.

“It’s fantastic to be returning home and working with Triple Eight Race Engineering who made my last two years racing in Europe possible,” said Pye.

“The team is the benchmark in Australian motorsport and I’ll do everything I can to capitalise on this opportunity.

“Like many aspiring drivers my goal was always Formula 1 but I have never overlooked V8 Supercars.

“Roland and I have realistic expectations. I’ve never competed with a roof over my head and this will be something different but I’ll be learning from every experience.

“It’s also great to be joining up with Monster Energy, GearWrench, Miracle Recreation Equipment and Key Produce. I look forward to building longstanding relationships with these companies,” he said.

Monster Energy Australasian Manager Adrian Hunter said Pye was an exciting addition to the Monster Army and hoped for another successful season on-board the dominant and distinct matte black Holden Commodore.

“We’re pleased to be backing Triple Eight’s Development Series entry for a second year after a fantastic maiden championship in 2011,” said Hunter.

“Scott’s proven himself in open wheel racing and we’re looking forward to getting behind his campaign in the coming seasons.

“Monster Energy is all about supporting its athletes, and nurturing and developing talent. We believe this is the perfect pedestal for him to hone his skills and look forward to some great results as he finds his feet in this category.”

Pye will make his first on-track appearance in the opening round of the Development Series at the Clipsal 500 from March 1-4.

Coming off a highly successful 2011, which saw Jamie Whincup take out the V8 Supercar Championship title ahead of teammate Craig Lowndes, TeamVodafone are preparing for another big year in 2012, and will once again rely on Roland equipment to power all their printing requirements.

The new Holden Commodore’s, the re-designed transporter, the pit walls and other equipment will all be produced by the innovative Roland XC-540MT printer/cutter with metallic ink technology, and finished with the Roland VersaLAM laminator and VersaCUT print trimmers.

TeamVodafone Commercial Operations Manager Peter Jamieson commented, “We had a very successful 2011 both on and off the track, highlighted by the fact that we also won the ‘Best Presented Team’ which we have to thank the Roland equipment as it played a big part, by reliably producing exceptional results for all our in-house graphic needs.

Since receiving the Roland equipment, we have been constantly impressed with its capabilities and are looking forward to extending the car livery boundaries into the future. Our aim is to remain at the forefront of the Championship, and the XC-540MT gives us the ability to consistently deliver quality prints, meaning our cars will continue to look fantastic, allowing us to focus on winning races!”

“Congratulations to Jamie, Craig and the whole team on the 2011 Championship!” said John Wall, Sales Director at Roland DG. “TeamVodafone had an amazing year in 2011 and Roland DG was proud to be associated with such a professional and successful organisation”

With planning for 2012 well underway, and the Clipsal 500 not far off, TeamVodafone will once again be working with Roland DG to get the best results from their printing. “We look forward to working together with TeamVodafone again in 2012 to achieve the same success as 2011″ said John.

For regular news and updates on the 2012 V8 Supercar season, visit www.teamvodafone.com.au, or for more information about Roland DG Australia visit www.rolanddg.com.au.

See the gallery here.

In the ultimate expression of ‘power to you’, Vodafone today fulfilled a dream of Honda Moto GP great and reigning world champion,Casey Stoner, by putting him in the driver’s seat of Craig Lowndes TeamVodafone V8 Supercar, for the ultimate joy ride.

For the very first time in his impressive motorsport career, the world’s fastest man on two wheels, took to four wheels, in the TeamVodafone V8 Supercar, threading it through the challenging Driving Centre at Norwell, Queensland, completing 90 laps.

Organised by Vodafone, this extraordinary exercise was spurred on by the Honda ace, who after attending the Sydney 500 as a guest of Vodafone, expressed his desire to give Lowndes’ TeamVodafone V8 Supercar, a red-hot go.

No stranger to pushing the limits, Stoner discovered the thrill of driving the V8 Supercar. Guided by five-time Bathurst winner Lowndes and his recently crowned V8 Supercar Champion teammate, Jamie Whincup, Stoner demonstrated why he is the best of the best, coming to grips with the V8 Supercar over the course of the day

CASEY STONER

First impressions of driving a V8 Supercar

In it’s own ways the track feels narrower especially going into the left hand corners. With these cars you can use actually quite a lot of the track so that can feel a little similar to being on the bike

With everything I am learning to day, I have to forget everything I know about bikes and change to learn to drive these, and it is the same thing going from cars to bikes.

On fulfilling a dream to drive a V8 Supercar

Something I have wanted to do since I was quite young actually and the opportunity to finally get in one and have a go is something pretty special to me. I am enjoying it

Most memorable part of driving the V8 Supercar

I am surprised at how well they absorb the kerbs, they are still going to be a stiff race machine but they do absorb the bumps pretty well and of course the power is still there.

We have to deal with a fair bit of power myself. The hardest thing I have had to do is change whatever I know about braking and changing through gears. I am having to rethink it again.

I didn’t expect to be in Craig’s actual race car. To be behind the wheel of something that won a race a few weeks ago is very special and I appreciate it.

You have had an incredible year how does this rate?

Finding out we were pregnant, winning the championship at my home race and on my birthday, all together it has been a fantastic season. That along with this, I couldn’t really ask for a better year.

JAMIE WHINCUP

First impressions of seeing Stoner behind the wheel of the V8 Supercar

Casey did a great job today, Lowndsey did a few laps earlier this morning to lay a bit of data down, then he handed the car over. Hopefully this is an experience he really enjoys.

These are really cool cars it doesn’t matter if you are an F1 driver or a Moto GP rider we are really lucky here in Australia we have an awesome product.

Impressions on Stoner’s overall performance on the day

While it was fun for him I know he wanted to do a good job and he certainly impressed everyone here.

Most memorable part of the event today

It is crazy to hear and talk about the differences between going fast on two wheels to four wheels.

Simple things like how you control the clutch is so much different in his world compared to our world.  It is a good learning experience and it is good to have that knowledge from both sides.

Do you think Stoner will be back behind the wheel of the V8 Supercar?

I think for sure Casey has something to offer V8’s. I am not sure how close that is for him, hopefully he goes on and does awesome stuff for us Aussies in Moto GP and on two wheels for a bit longer. Life after two wheels for most of those guys is car racing and I am sure his eyes are set on V8 Supercars because it is one of the strongest categories in the world.

CRAIG LOWNDES

First impressions of seeing Stoner behind the wheel of the V8 Supercar

It is fantastic to have someone of Casey’s calibre in one of our cars. To see what he does on TV on two wheels and then see what he can actually do on four wheels is a real treat.

He is in my actual racecar from Sydney thankfully I didn’t bang it up too much down there and the boys were able to turn it around for Casey today. He has really gotten to grips with the technical side of the track here.

Getting through the kerbs and across the fast section around the back took some getting used to. The technical side, low speed stuff he was right up to speed on straight away.

Impressions on Stoner’s overall performance on the day

He did a really good job and is the ultimate professional it was an amazing experience to work with him.

Most memorable part of the event today

He actually knows more about us than what we do, it is quite incredible. Casey travels the world with Moto GP but keeps a really keen eye on what we do.

From Bathurst to Homebush and now here it has been fantastic to get to know him.

It has been nice to have the time to pick his brain and talk bout how he copes with the pressure at the level he is at.

ROLAND DANE 

First impressions on seeing Stoner behind the wheel of the V8 Supercar

It is a privilege to have Casey in the car.

Not only do I appreciate that, but the guys that work for me do as well. They are thrilled to be able to give Casey the chance to fulfil his dream and see where he ends up in four-wheeled motorsport.

Do you think Stoner will be back behind the wheel of the V8 Supercar?

I see no reason at all why Casey shouldn’t be very competitive in a V8 Supercar.

When you have spent most of your life away, chasing your dreams you have to work pretty hard at it. I think Casey has developed a steely determination to succeed at anything he does.

He is as much a fan of V8 Supercars as we all are of Moto GP

It is in his hands if he wants to drive a V8 Supercar one day I suspect he will end up doing it.

After 10 race wins, 9 pole positions and 19 podium finishes, Whincup has written himself into the history books with a third V8 Supercar Championship title, tying with Peter Brock and TeamVodafone teammate Lowndes.

After an incredible end to a dramatic season which has seen the TeamVodafone teammates trade the championship lead with only 35 points between the pair, Lowndes has recorded his seventh consecutive top four championship finish.

In what has been a stellar season for Lowndes, the three-time champion has enjoyed 5 pole positions, 5 race wins and 14 podium finishes.

With a total of 14 pole positions, 15 race wins and 33 podium finishes, TeamVodafone are unbeaten in their field, also now holding the record for having one of their drivers in the top-two of the Championship for the last seven season, a new record in V8 Supercar history.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten Race 28 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series Results – Sydney Telstra 500

1: Mark Winterbottom
2: Craig Lowndes
3: Shane Van Gisbergen
4: Jonathon Webb
5: Russell Ingall
6: Michael Caruso
7: James Courtney
8: Jamie Whincup
9: Jason Bright
10: Tim Slade

V8 Supercar Championship Standings

1: Jamie Whincup, 3168 pts.
2: Craig Lowndes, 3133 pts.
3: Mark Winterbottom, 2710 pts.
4: Shane Van Gisbergen, 2672 pts.
5: Garth Tander, 2574 pts.
6: Rick Kelly, 2358 pts.
7: Will Davison, 2345 pts.
8: Lee Holdsworth, 1920 pts.
9: Tim Slade, 1904 pts.
10: James Courtney, 1869 pts.

During the 2011 series, Thompson amassed six round wins, 11 race wins and five pole positions and finished 295 clear of second placed Jack Perkins.

“I couldn’t be happier to finish off the season the way we have, it’s been an incredible ride with Triple Eight Race Engineering,” Thompson said

“I had a lot of critics over the season and it feels good to prove them wrong but it also feels great to show my team they made the right choice when they chose me to drive their car.”

“To everyone at Triple Eight, Monster Energy, Gear Wrench and Miracle Recreation Equipment, thank you so much for the support you have shown me over the season, it has been simple amazing.

“Now we can all unwind over the break and who knows where I’ll be this time next year, I’m just grateful for the dream run we had this year.” Thompson concluded.

Triple Eight Race Engineering is now the 12th team to win the Fujitsu Series Championship Crown .

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten Fujitsu V8 Supercar Race 2 results – Sydney Telstra 500

1: Jack Perkins
2: Nick Percat
3: Andrew Thompson
4: Scott McLaughlin
5: Chaz Mostert
6: Geoff Emery
7: Aaron McGill
8: David Russell
9: Drew Russell
10: Tony Bates

Fujitsu V8 Supercars Round Seven Results -Sydney Telstra 500

1: Andrew Thompson, 279 pts.
2: Nick Percat, 276 pts
3: Jack Perkins, 261 pts.
4: Chaz Mostert, 240 pts.
5: David Russell, 210 pts.
6: Scott McLaughlin, 198 pts.
7: Geoff Emery, 168 pts.
8: Drew Russell, 168 pts.
9: Andrew Jones, 156 pts.
10: Tim Blanchard, 150 pts.

Fujitsu V8 Supercar Championship Standings

1: Andrew Thompson, 1896 pts.
2: Jack Perkins, 1601 pts.
3: David Russell, 1594 pts.
4: Scott McLaughlin, 1461 pts.
5: Tim Blanchard, 1262 pts.
6: Chaz Mostert, 1253 pts.
7: Nick Percat, 1207 pts.
8: Paul Morris, 944 pts.
9: Rodney Jane, 827 pts.
10: Daniel Jilesen, 816 pts.

After posting the fastest time in Saturday’s qualifying session, Whincup was met with tough competition in the Top Ten Shootout and ended the session fifth.

Lowndes couldn’t get the power he was looking for throughout both sessions, posting the ninth fastest time in Qualifying and losing control of Car #888 in the Top Ten Shootout. Lowndes started the 74-lap race from tenth on the grid.

The championship leader made a good start to Race 27 and was steadily progressing through the order until Lap 24 when he clipped a curb, damaging the right damper. Whincup then glanced the wall at Turn 5 and was forced to the pits for repairs.

The TeamVodafone pitcrew worked frantically to get the car back out on the track, Whincup’s race became a salvage operation, the Holden driver collecting 45 points and finishing in 20th position.

Lowndes’ worked his way from 10th to first and turned his Championship prospects around.

On the final lap of the 74-lap race, Tander made a charge at Lowndes, the TeamVodafone pilot held on to take the top step on the podium.

Whincup now sits 83 points ahead of Lowndes heading into tomorrow’s final race of the 2011 V8 Supercar Championship Series.

The Sydney Telstra 500 will conclude tomorrow with Qualifying for Race 28 at 10.40am (AEDST) ahead of the final 74-lap race of the weekend at 3.05pm (AEDST).

TeamVodafone’s live race day blog from the pit garage will commence on www.teamvodafone.com at 3:05pm (AEDST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com

Top Ten V8 Supercars Championship Series Race 27 Results – Sydney Telstra 500

1: Craig Lowndes
2: Garth Tander
3: Shane Van Gisbergen
4: Michael Caruso
5: Mark Winterbottom
6: Tim Slade
7: James Courtney
8: James Moffat
9: Todd Kelly
10: Rick Kelly
20: Jamie Whincup

V8 Supercar Championship Standings

1: Jamie Whincup, 3078 pts.
2: Craig Lowndes, 2995 pts.
3: Mark Winterbottom, 2560 pts.
4: Shane Van Gisbergen, 2543 pts.
5: Garth Tander, 2526 pts.
6: Will Davison, 2345 pts.
7: Rick Kelly, 2289 pts.
8: Lee Holdsworth, 1920 pts.
9: Alex Davison, 1850 pts.
10: Fabian Coulthard, 1839 pts.

Putting yesterday’s mishaps behind him, Thompson stole the spotlight in Qualifying, posting his fastest lap time mid-session.

The Monster Energy/ Gear Wrench supported driver launched off the line for the 58km race. A yellow flag on lap one not deterring his efforts, Thompson holding the lead until the race end.

“To wrap up the Championship on Saturday was our ideal scenario, to be able to do that and to do it with a race win is an unbelievable feeling,” Thompson said.

“Our main goal was to win the Championship but to do it in style by taking out pole and the win was unreal.

“We had a bad day Friday but we fought back today and it’s a massive relief to finally get the Championship out of the way. We can now hit the track tomorrow and have some fun instead of worrying about messing up the Championship.

“For me it’s been an amazing year. It has been a massive come back from where I was last year and the support Triple Eight has given me, along with Monster Energy and Gear Wrench has been incredible, they made it easy for me to keep my focus on driving,” Thompson concluded.

Sunday will see Triple Eight Race Engineering hit the track for the final Fujitsu Series race at 12.55pm where Thompson will start from pole position.

For regular news and updates on Andrew Thompson, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten Fujitsu v8 Supercar Race 1 Results – Sydney Telstra 500

1: Andrew Thompson
2: Nick Percat
3: Chaz Mostert
4: David Russell
5: Jack Perkins
6: Tim Blanchard
7: Paul Morris
8: Andrew Jones
9: Drew Russell
10: Scott McLaughlin

Fujitsu V8 Supercar Championship Standings

1: Andrew Thompson, 1767 pts.
2: David Russell, 1504 pts.
3: Jack Perkins, 1451 pts.
4: Scott McLaughlin, 1341 pts.
5: Tim Blanchard, 1214 pts.
6: Chaz Mostert, 1142 pts.
7: Nick Percat, 1069 pts.
8: Paul Morris, 969 pts.
9: Rodney Jane, 770 pts.
10: Daniel Jilesen, 744 pts

The championship rivals took to the Sydney street circuit for the first time in the third practice session, Lowndes getting an early handle on the tricky 3.42km circuit to post the fourth fastest time.

On the other side of the garage Whincup used the opening session to familiarise himself with the track, a measured approach seeing him end the session 11th.

The final session was where the battling teammates turned up the heat, Whincup’s fastest lap being 1:27.3813 which was a new practice lap record.

Lowndes was hot on his teammate’s tail, just one-hundredth of a second separating them on the timesheets.

Saturday’s on-track activities will see the V8 Supercars qualify for Race 27 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at 10.20am (AEDST) followed by the Top Ten Shootout at 11.25am(AEDST). The 74-lap race will kick off at 3.05pm (AEDST).

TeamVodafone’s live race day blog from the pit garage will commence on www.teamvodafone.com at 3:05pm (AEDST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Practice Results – Sydney Telstra 500

1: Jamie Whincup, 1:27.3813.
2: Craig Lowndes, 1:27.4767.
3: Shane Van Gisbergen, 1:27.7744.
4: Jonathon Webb, 1:27.8325.
5: Rick Kelly, 1:27.8959.
6: Will Davison, 1:27.9186.
7: Mark Winterbottom, 1:27.9354.
8: Russell Ingall, 1:28.0000.
9: Lee Holdsworth, 1:28.1318.
10: Paul Dumbrell, 1:28.1443.

The Monster Energy/GearWrench-supported driver encountered a clutch problem in the opening session which saw him unable to progress further up the order than 23rd.

With a new clutch fitted for the second session he forged ahead but was soon hindered by electrical gremlins, halting his charge while sitting fifth in the second and final session.

His best lap of the day was a 1:29.8060 and he is hoping the #80 Commodore will be more competitive ahead of qualifying and the first race tomorrow.

“Today we had a bit of a frustrating one, we suffered several mechanical issues which pretty much stopped us from doing any solid running for both sessions,” Thompson explained.

“We fixed our clutch issue with the car and seemed to be on the right track in the second session. We tried to make up for lost ground and work on the car to get it comfortable for the weekend which I think we accomplished.

“The car is reasonably good, obviously we didn’t get a great run but we will fix the gremlins we had today and hopefully we will have a better run tomorrow.” Thompson concluded.

The Fujitsu V8 Supercars Series will return to the track at 9.00am (AEDST) for qualifying ahead of the first 17-lap race at 12.45pm (AEDST).

Top Ten Fujitsu V8 Supercars Practice Results – Sydney Telstra 500

1: Scott McLaughlin, 1:29.1142.
2: Chaz Mostert, 1:29.2529.
3: David Russell, 1:29.2897.
4: Jack Perkins, 1:29.6105.
5: Andrew Thompson, 1:29.8060.
6: Andrew Jones, 1:29.9907.
7: Nick Percat, 1:30.0037.
8: Paul Morris, 1:30.3202.
9: David Wall, 1:30.6058.
10: Taz Douglas, 1:30.6169.