The worst kept secret has been revealed, with Mark Winterbottom confirmed to join Cam Waters for the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship endurance races.
Winterbottom’s homecoming to Tickford Racing has been predicted since his departure from Team 18 was announced at the start of September.
In a dual role as co-driver and mentor, Winterbottom returns to the team where he scored his two Bathurst 1000 titles and sole Repco Supercars Championship in 2015 across a partnership spanning 13 seasons.
“I’m so excited to come back home to Tickford Racing,” Winterbottom said.
“This team played such a massive part in my career. I came here as a young driver in the Ford program, and we went on to achieve incredible success together – race wins, a championship, and Bathurst.
“It feels like the right time to come full circle, and I’m here to win again, with Cam and with Tickford.
“Cam’s one of the best drivers in the field. I’ll support him 100 percent – if he wins, we win. That’s what it’s all about. I’m excited to complement his raw speed with my experience and help Tickford fight for the top step of the podium.
“Tickford feels like family. So many of the same people are still here, and the fans’ support has been overwhelming. Bathurst really hit home when people kept saying, ‘go back to Tickford!’
“It’s a privilege to return to such a competitive team with two great opportunities ahead; to win with Cam in the enduros and to help shape the future of this sport.”
The 21-year Supercars veteran will act as a mentor to its Tickford Autosport roster including Rylan Gray, Lochie Dalton and new signing Reuben Goodall.
“I’ve learnt so much over my career, and I’m really looking forward to passing that knowledge on to the next generation,” Winterbottom explained.
“Whether it’s helping them with the little tricks – what curbs to hit, throttle control, or handling the pressure of race day – I want to help them succeed and enjoy the sport as much as I have.
“Watching these young drivers grow and achieve is so rewarding.”
For Waters, teaming up with Winterbottom is the chance to reunite and get success together after being mentored early in his career.
“Frosty was a key role model for me in the early days of my career and played a significant part in my development,” said Waters.
“For things to come full circle now, driving together next year is pretty special.
“It’s going to be great to have him back in the workshop and around the team, bringing all his knowledge and experience with him. He’s going to be a huge asset.”