Tickford's Homegrown Stars

While the focus from the Blue Oval side of the fence in Supercars has come from DJR Team Penske, there’s a fascinating subplot at Tickford Racing with the team’s homegrown stars Chaz Mostert and Cameron Waters taking over the mantle of team leaders following the departure of long-time teammate Mark Winterbottom. We chat with the Tickford Racing young guns on their new roles within the team and what comes next.

- John Bannon

In one simple sentence, 2014 Bathurst 1000 winner​ Chaz Mostert sums up what Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom meant to the Ford outfit. “Well, he’s the Tickford God,” he says.

That might be true. But the pendulum has shifted during the past two seasons. In both 2017 and 2018, Mostert finished higher than Winterbottom in the standings, and while at 37 Winterbottom no doubt has unfinished business in Supercars, it’s Mostert at 26 who is nearing the peak of his powers.

While Mostert may have the recent runs on the board, the significance of Winterbottom’s departure is not lost on the 2018 Gold Coast winner.

“There is obviously a big, massive hole there to fill,” says Mostert.

“He has given so much to this team for so many years. The way he holds himself on and off the track is second to none. I’ve learnt a lot being beside him. I try to [be positive] when the days aren’t going well and keep the lip up when talking to the sponsors and talking to the fans.

“He’s taught me a lot in that regard. For me it’s sad to see him go because he influences the team in such a way and directs things when it’s not quite going our way. Obviously Cam [Waters] and I have to step up into that role a little bit more and definitely try and help fill the shoes that have been left behind.”

While 24-year-old teammate Waters says it will be strange not having Winterbottom in the team.

“He is like a fatherly figure and we’re good mates, so it’s obviously going to be weird him not being in the garage with us, being a teammate,” he says.

“But, even still, he’ll remain a really good mate. He has obviously helped me a lot, stepping in to assist in my Dunlop Series days and everything like that. So, yeah, I’ll still race him just as hard and fairly and still be mates.”