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Tickford Racing
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
|---|---|
| Team Principal | Rod Nash Sven Burchatz |
| Team Manager | Simon Brookhouse |
| Race Drivers | Supercars Championship: 5. Austin Cindric (part-time) 6. Cam Waters 55. Thomas Randle Super2 Series: 5. Reuben Goodall 6. Lochie Dalton 55. Rylan Gray 222. Nash Morris |
| Race Engineers | Supercars: 6. Sam Potter 55. Chris Stuckey Super2 Series: 5. Scott Burch 6. Bayden Charlton 55. Brendan Hogan 222. Dilan Talabani |
| Chassis | Supercars Championship: Ford Mustang GT S650 Super2 Series: Ford Mustang GT S550 |
| Debut | 2003 |
| Drivers' Championships | 1 (2015) |
| Round wins | 29 |
| Race wins | 78 |
| Pole positions | 59 |
| 2022 position | 5/6: 3rd (4655pts) 55/56: 12th (2318pts) |
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Tickford Racing (formerly known as Prodrive Racing Australia and Ford Performance Racing) is an Australian motor racing team which competes in the Supercars Championship. The team currently campaigns two Ford Mustangs, with their current drivers being Cam Waters and Thomas Randle. Tickford Racing also competes in the Super2 Series with Reuben Goodall, Lochie Dalton, Rylan Gray and Nash Morris.
The team has won the Bathurst 1000 twice, in 2013 (Winterbottom/Richards) and in 2014 (Mostert/Morris). They have won the driver's championship once, in 2015 with Mark Winterbottom.
History
[edit]2000s
[edit]In December 2002, Prodrive purchased Glenn Seton Racing, and renamed it Ford Performance Racing as part of a marketing push to link the Prodrive-owned Ford Performance Vehicles (formerly Tickford) road car range to the popular V8 Supercars. Along with this renaming came a huge expansion programme – the team expanded from one car driven by Glenn Seton to three; Seton, Craig Lowndes and David Besnard. The team moved into a new headquarters adjacent to the FPV factory in Campbellfield, Melbourne, and the crew expanded as well. The third car was entered using Rod Nash Racing's Racing Entitlement Contract (REC). While other teams such had received major Ford support in the years since, it became the first official Ford factory team since the Ford Works Team of 1962 to 1973.
The team's early years were somewhat disappointing, given the fact the team was one of the best funded in V8 Supercars. Lowndes had his moments in 2003, including a round win at Phillip Island, and a second-place finish at Bathurst driving with Seton. Lowndes finished the year 5th in the championship, with Seton and Besnard well down the order. In 2004, the team downsized to two cars. Lowndes and Seton both had disappointing years, plagued by engine dramas, a lack of test days, and a lack of comparable data (their cars were built to different specifications). While the pair did start to find some pace at the end of the year (they finished second at Bathurst again), they both decided to move at the end of the year – Lowndes to Triple Eight Race Engineering and Seton to Dick Johnson Racing.
Jason Bright and Greg Ritter joined for the 2005 season. Bright had a consistent year, and finished inside the top 10, while Ritter was disappointing, David Brabham replaced him for the final two rounds. In 2006, Mark Winterbottom joined the team. Bright scored multiple front-row starts, including three pole positions. He won the inaugural round in Bahrain, the Desert 400, and came 6th in the championship. Winterbottom enjoyed a very consistent run to finish third in the championship. The pair won the Sandown 500. FPR came second in the team's championship behind the HSV Dealer Team.
Bright left FPR at the end of the 2006 season to drive for his own Britek Motorsport outfit, with Steven Richards recruited to replace him. The team continued to take the challenge to the front-running teams. The most disappointing moment in 2007 was when Winterbottom left the circuit late in the race while leading at Bathurst. In 2008 Winterbottom challenged for the championship, but Jamie Whincup managed to finish the championship ahead of Winterbottom while Richards finished 8th.
In 2009, the new FG Falcon was debuted. While Triple Eight already had the speed, FPR struggled with only one win from Mark Winterbottom during the season with Steven Richards finishing a best of 3rd. The team also struggled at Bathurst again with the No. 6 car driven by Winterbottom and Richards caught fire on lap 50 while the second car driven by Dean Canto and Luke Youlden crashed late in the race. Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards finished 5th and 13th in the championship.
2010s
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In 2010, Winterbottom finished 3rd and Richards 15th. For 2011, Will Davison replaced Richards, who was retained as an endurance co-driver for Winterbottom. Winterbottom finished in 3rd place for the championship while Davison finished in 7th. In 2012, FPR were strong challengers for the championship, Winterbottom finishing 3rd with Davison finishing 4th.
In January 2013, the team was sold by Prodrive to Rusty French and Rod Nash.[1] In the 2013 season, Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards won the Bathurst 1000. Davison finished the season in third, Winterbottom fourth. Chaz Mostert joined the team in 2014, replacing Will Davison. FPR won the 2014 Bathurst 1000 with Mostert partnered by Paul Morris.
In 2015, Ford Performance Racing was renamed as Prodrive Racing Australia, as a result of Ford's decision to progressively withdraw its FPV brand and V8 Supercars support by 2016. The team introduced the Ford FG X Falcon, the first new Falcon since 2009. After a slow start, the team achieved considerable success in the next section of the season, with eleven out of fifteen race wins between the third event (the Perth Super Sprint) and the eighth event (the Sydney Motorsport Park Super Sprint). Winterbottom, co-driving with Steve Owen, then went on to win the 2015 Wilson Security Sandown 500, leading home a team one-two with Mostert and Cam Waters in second. It was the team's first win at the event since 2006. At the 2015 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Mostert had a substantial crash in Friday qualifying, ruling his car out for the weekend and himself out for the rest of the season. This left Winterbottom with a large championship lead entering the final rounds, and while he didn't win another race after Sandown, Winterbottom held on to win his, and the team's first drivers' championship. The team was leading the teams' championship until the final round, in which it was overtaken by long-time rivals Triple Eight.
In 2016, Mostert[2] was moved to customer team Rod Nash Racing for sponsorship purposes, with Cam Waters joining the team full-time in car No. 6 alongside defending champion Winterbottom. The team only won 2 races, both with Winterbottom who finished the championship in 6th place. Waters finished his first season in 19th, with his best finish being 4th place at the Bathurst 1000 with Jack Le Brocq. In 2017 the team continued with the same driver lineup, with its only race win being the Sandown 500 with Waters and co-driver Richie Stanaway. Winterbottom finished the championship in 6th, while Waters finished in 8th place.
In 2016, Prodrive Racing Australia management re-formed the Ford-aligned vehicle enhancer, Tickford.
In 2018, the team was rebranded as Tickford Racing, with Stanaway joining the team in car No. 56. The Rod Nash Racing REC was moved to the team with Mostert, officially making Tickford Racing a 4 car team.[3]
Customer cars
[edit]Rod Nash Racing
[edit]
From 2010 to 2017, the team has prepared a customer car for Rod Nash Racing. Paul Dumbrell drove in 2010 and 2011 before David Reynolds took over in 2012, with notable results being a race win at the 2013 Armor All Gold Coast 600, a second place at the 2012 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and 3rd in the driver's championship in 2015, with Dean Canto as his co-driver. From 2016, Chaz Mostert raced with Rod Nash Racing, winning 3 races and the Pirtek Enduro Cup the following season with Steve Owen. The Rod Nash Racing REC is now run under the Tickford Racing name with Mostert and Owen.
Team 18
[edit]
In 2013, the team took on a second customer car for Team 18. The Schwerkolt entry was driven by Alex Davison in 2013, with Jack Perkins replacing Davison for 2014. Schwerkolt and his team split with FPR prior to the 2015 season, moving to Walkinshaw Racing for 2015.[4]
Super Black Racing
[edit]
Super Black Racing replaced the No. 18 Schwerkolt entry for 2015, with Andre Heimgartner the driver of Car No. 111. Chris Pither replaced Heimgartner for the final two rounds of the 2015 season and continued with the team for 2016. After the 2016 season, the team sold its Racing Entitlement Contract to Tim Blanchard Racing.[5]
Britek Motorsport
[edit]In 2017, Britek Motorsport replaced Super Black Racing as the team's second customer entry. Team owner Jason Bright drove the team's No. 56 entry with Garry Jacobson co-driving. After 2017, Bright retired from full-time driving and the REC was leased to Matt Stone Racing.[6]
23Red Racing
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After running its first Supercars season on its own, 23Red Racing became a satellite operation for 2019 with Tickford re-building the teams Ford Falcon into a Ford Mustang for the 2019 season. The car was driven by Will Davison, a former driver of FPR. In May 2020, 23Red Racing announced it was withdrawing from the Supercars Championship, due to the loss of their major backer Milwaukee Tools. This was a result of the economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The team was merged back to Tickford with a new number.
Other
[edit]Tickford Racing has run a number of customer cars for other franchise holders, the first in 2007 where the No. 021 Team Kiwi Racing BF Falcon driven by Paul Radisich was prepared for the first few rounds of the season. In 2008, FPR prepared the No. 777 Ford Rising Stars Racing BF Falcon of Michael Patrizi. For the 2015 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, the team ran a third customer car, a wildcard entry for Renee Gracie and Simona de Silvestro known as the Harvey Norman Super Girls.
Super2 Series
[edit]The team has also run entries in the second-tier Dunlop Super2 Series in recent years. The first of these was in 2010 when the team ran James Moffat in a BF Falcon. This was followed by entering Chaz Mostert in 2011 and 2012 using an FG Falcon. In 2014 and 2015, the team ran Cam Waters in an older generation (pre-2013) FG Falcon in the Development Series, winning the championship in 2015.
In 2016, the team expanded to two (2015-spec) FG X Falcon entries for Garry Jacobson and Jack Le Brocq. The pairing finished first and second in the championship respectively. In 2017, the team continued to run FG X Falcons, for defending champion Jacobson and Josh Kean. They also ran a wildcard entry at the Sydney round with Richie Stanaway, who achieved two 3rd-place finishes and a race win in the 4 races held. Jacobson finished the championship in 6th position while Kean finished in 19th. For 2018 and 2019 the team only fielded one FG X Falcon for Thomas Randle. In 2020, the team will field reigning Super3 champion Broc Feeney in one FG X Falcon. In 2021 the team will field Zak Best in the same FG X Falcon used by Broc Feeney.
Results
[edit] | This section needs to be updated. (September 2025) |
Car No. 5 results
[edit]Car No. 6 results
[edit]Car No. 56 results
[edit]Car No. 55 results
[edit]Bathurst 1000 results
[edit]
Teams Championship results
[edit]| Year | Car | Pos | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Ford Falcon BA | 8th | 2443 |
| 2006 | Ford Falcon BA | 2nd | 5817 |
| 2007 | Ford Falcon BF | 4th | 788 |
| 2008 | Ford Falcon BF | 2nd | 5308 |
| 2009 | Ford Falcon FG | 4th | 4104 |
| 2010 | Ford Falcon FG | 4th | 4369 |
| 2011 | Ford Falcon FG | 2nd | 5080 |
| 2012 | Ford Falcon FG | 2nd | 6506 |
| 2013 | Ford Falcon FG | 2nd | 5617 |
| 2014 | Ford Falcon FG | 2nd | 5244 |
| 2015 | Ford Falcon FG X | 2nd | 5554 |
| 2016 | Ford Falcon FG X | 4th | 3962 |
| 2017 | Ford Falcon FG X | 3rd | 4416 |
| 2018 | Ford Falcon FG X | 3rd | 4999 |
| 2019 | Mustang GT | 3rd | 5294 |
| 2020 | Mustang GT | 3rd | 3521 |
| 2021 | Mustang GT | 3rd | 4016 |
| 2022 | Mustang GT | 3rd | 4656 |
| 2023 | Mustang GT | 4th | 3667 |
| 2024 | Mustang GT | 2nd | 4523 |
Positions based on highest Tickford team between 2016 and 2023. This is because Tickford had to split into two teams on account of 4 cars.
- denotes ongoing season
Supercars Championship drivers
[edit]The following is a list of drivers who have driven for the team in the Supercars Championship, in order of their first appearance. Drivers who only drove for the team on a part-time basis are listed in italics.
Glenn Seton (2003–04)- Craig Lowndes (2003–04)
- David Besnard (2003)
- Adam Macrow (2003–04)
- Darren Hossack (2003)
- Owen Kelly (2003, 2007)
Alain Menu (2004)- Greg Ritter (2005)
- Jason Bright (2005–06)
- David Brabham (2005–06)
- Cameron McLean (2005–06)
- Mark Winterbottom (2006–18, 2025-present)
Matt Halliday (2006–07)- Steven Richards (2007–13)
- Luke Youlden (2008–11)
- Dean Canto (2008–09, 2016–18)
- James Moffat (2010, 2018–present)
- Will Power (2010, 2012)
- Will Davison (2011–13, 2020)
Richard Lyons (2011)
Mika Salo (2011–12)- John McIntyre (2012)
- Steve Owen (2013–15, 2018)
- Chaz Mostert (2014–15, 2018–19)
- Paul Morris (2014)
- Cam Waters (2015–present)
- Russell Ingall (2015)
- Jack Le Brocq (2016, 2020–21)
- Richie Stanaway (2017–18)
- David Russell (2018)
- Lee Holdsworth (2019–20)
- Thomas Randle (2019, 2021–present)
- Michael Caruso (2019–20)
- James Courtney (2020–2023)
- Broc Feeney (2020)
- Zak Best (2021–2023)
- Jake Kostecki (2022)
- Kurt Kostecki (2022)
- Zane Goddard (2022)
- Declan Fraser (2023)
- Tyler Everingham (2023)
- Lachlan Dalton (2024–2025)
- Rylan Gray (2025)
Austin Cindric (2025)
Super2 drivers
[edit]The following is a list of drivers who have driven for the team in the Super2 Series, in order of their first appearance. Drivers who only drove for the team on a part-time basis are listed in italics.
- James Moffat (2010)
- Chaz Mostert (2011–12)
- Cam Waters (2014–15)
- Garry Jacobson (2016–17)
- Jack Le Brocq (2016)
- Josh Kean (2017)
- Richie Stanaway (2017)
- Thomas Randle (2018–19)
- Broc Feeney (2020)
- Zak Best (2021–22)
- Brad Vaughan (2023-24)
- Elly Morrow (2023)
- Lochie Dalton (2024-25)
- Rylan Gray (2024-25)
- Reuben Goodall (2025)
- Nash Morris (2025)
Super2 Results
[edit]Car No. 5 results
[edit]Gallery
[edit]-
The Ford BA Falcon in which Glenn Seton contested the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship Series for Ford Performance Racing. Pictured in 2018. -
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The Ford Mustang GT of Lee Holdsworth at the 2019 Adelaide 500
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References
[edit]- ^ V8 team FPR sold to Melbourne-based pair Sydney Morning Herald 5 January 2013
- ^ "Mostert signs new deal after contract 'tear up'". Speedcafe. 1 August 2015.
- ^ Prodrive confirms Tickford Racing name change Speedcafe 19 December 2017
- ^ "Walkinshaw Racing confirm Schwerkolt and Holdsworth move". Holden Motorsport. 19 January 2015. Archived from the original on 19 January 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
- ^ "Blanchards purchase Super Black REC". Speedcafe. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
- ^ "Jason Bright Prodrive deal confirmed". Speedcafe. 5 December 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Prodrive Racing Australia at Wikimedia Commons
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Tickford Racing
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Tickford Racing is an Australian motorsport team headquartered in Campbellfield, Victoria, that competes in the Supercars Championship, fielding Ford Mustang GT Supercars powered by a 5.4-litre V8 engine producing approximately 600 horsepower.[1][2]
The team traces its origins to December 2002, when British motorsport firm Prodrive acquired the assets of Glenn Seton Racing, a two-time Australian Touring Car Championship-winning outfit, to establish a Ford factory-supported entry in the V8 Supercars series.[1][3] It debuted in 2003 under the name Ford Performance Racing (FPR), partnering closely with Ford Australia to develop and race Falcon FG and FG X models until the Mustang transition in 2019.[1][4] In 2015, following Prodrive's increased involvement, the team rebranded to Prodrive Racing Australia, emphasizing global engineering resources. The current Tickford Racing identity was adopted in 2018, reviving the historic Tickford name—originally a Ford-approved tuning firm from the 1960s that had been integral to high-performance vehicles like the Ford Falcon XY GT and later Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV)—to honor its legacy and align with Ford's motorsport heritage.[3][4]
Tickford Racing has secured major accolades, including the 2015 Supercars Championship drivers' and teams' titles with Mark Winterbottom, who clinched the crown at the Sydney 500 finale.[1] The team also claimed consecutive Bathurst 1000 victories in 2013 (with Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards) and 2014 (with Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards), establishing its endurance racing prowess at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit.[2][5] Additional highlights include multiple race wins across its history, with the team's first Supercars victory coming in 2003 at Phillip Island under treacherous wet conditions courtesy of Craig Lowndes.[6]
As of 2025, Tickford Racing operates two primary entries in the Supercars Championship: the #6 Monster Energy Racing Ford Mustang GT driven by Cam Waters, a Sandown 500 winner (2017) and consistent title contender, and the #55 Castrol Racing Ford Mustang GT piloted by Thomas Randle, who has shown strong form in recent seasons including podium finishes.[1] In 2025, the team finished third in the teams' championship behind Triple Eight Race Engineering and Grove Racing.[7] The team also supports young talent programs in the Super2 and Trans Am series, nurturing drivers like 2025 Super2 champion Rylan Gray.[8][2] Known for its engineering innovation and close ties to Ford Performance, Tickford finished second in the 2024 teams' championship, its best result since 2015, while continuing to emphasize data-driven strategies and fan engagement.
In the drivers' standings, Tickford's entries have produced multiple podium finishes, with Mark Winterbottom securing first place in 2015 as part of the Prodrive program.[22] Cam Waters achieved second in 2022 with 2908 points and fourth in 2023 with 2649 points, while Thomas Randle finished fifth in 2024 with 2032 points.[99] [100] In 2022, the team's car-specific performances included the No. 6 (Waters) contributing significantly to the overall tally, alongside the No. 5 (James Courtney, 1748 points), No. 55 (Randle, 1655 points), and No. 56 (Jake Kostecki, 2142 points).[95]
Tickford has also excelled in the Super2 Series, with historical champions including Thomas Randle in 2020.[101] In 2025, the team dominated the standings, with Rylan Gray 1st at 1299 points, followed by Lochie Dalton 2nd at 1152 points and Nash Morris 3rd at 1143 points.[102] This performance built on prior successes, such as multiple round sweeps, underscoring Tickford's strength in driver development.[85]
Following the introduction of Gen3 regulations in 2023, which saw Tickford drop to fourth in the teams' standings amid adaptation challenges, the team showed recovery with second place in 2024 and third in 2025, including podiums that propelled them temporarily to the lead early in the season.[97] [96] This upward trend highlighted improved parity and operational focus on a two-car main program.[8]
History
2000s
Ford Performance Racing was founded in late 2002 when the British motorsport company Prodrive acquired Glenn Seton Racing in partnership with Ford Australia, establishing a dedicated factory team for the V8 Supercar Championship to revitalize Ford's presence in Australian touring car racing.[9] The team debuted in the 2003 season with the Ford Falcon BA model, initially operating one primary factory entry driven by experienced campaigner Glenn Seton while providing technical support to customer team Rod Nash Racing with David Besnard in a second Falcon.[10] That year, Prodrive expanded its direct involvement by signing Craig Lowndes, who drove a second factory car and delivered the team's inaugural victory in a rain-affected race at Phillip Island, marking Ford's first win under the new V8 Supercar "Car of the Future" parity rules.[11] The team grew steadily, adding a second full factory car for the 2004 season with Seton and Lowndes continuing as the core lineup, focusing on refining the BA Falcon's aerodynamics and suspension setup at Prodrive's Virginia, Queensland facility.[9] By 2005, FPR fielded two cars with Jason Bright replacing Lowndes (who departed for Triple Eight) and Greg Ritter as co-driver, emphasizing driver development amid ongoing challenges in matching Holden-dominated fields.[12] Competitive progress accelerated in 2006 when the team fielded two cars with Mark Winterbottom joining as the #5 driver alongside Jason Bright #6; Winterbottom's breakthrough season included a win at Hidden Valley, signaling FPR's rising technical prowess, with Ford-supplied V8 engines providing reliable power.[13] Throughout the mid-2000s, FPR grappled with inconsistent results and parity adjustments that favored competitors, achieving only sporadic podiums despite the early success, but the squad's in-house chassis development at the Virginia workshop—coupled with Ford's direct engine program—laid the groundwork for sustained improvement.[14] By the late decade, the team notched multiple podium finishes, including strong showings from Winterbottom and Courtney, culminating in top-10 placings in the teams' championship for 2008 and 2009. In 2008, FPR transitioned to the updated Falcon FG platform, enhancing straight-line speed and handling to boost overall performance.[15]2010s
Throughout the 2010s, Ford Performance Racing (FPR) continued to campaign the Ford Falcon FG model introduced in the late 2000s, transitioning to the updated FG X variant in 2014 for enhanced aerodynamics and performance in the Supercars Championship.[16] This platform underpinned the team's competitive edge during a period of evolving technical partnerships, particularly as Ford Australia reduced its direct involvement in 2015, prompting FPR to shift toward greater in-house engine development to maintain power outputs compliant with series regulations.[17][18] The decade marked a peak in on-track success for the team, highlighted by back-to-back Bathurst 1000 victories. In 2013, Mark Winterbottom and co-driver Steven Richards secured FPR's maiden Great Race win, fending off challenges from Triple Eight Race Engineering in a dramatic finish at Mount Panorama.[19] The following year, 2014, saw Chaz Mostert and Paul Morris claim the 1000 in the longest race in Bathurst history, enduring rain and safety car periods to deliver Ford's first enduro double since 2001.[20] Mostert's emergence as a star driver was pivotal, with the young talent securing multiple sprint race victories that season, including poles and podiums that propelled FPR to third in the teams' standings.[21] Building on this momentum, 2015 delivered the team's first drivers' championship through Winterbottom, who clinched the title with consistent results across the FG X platform, marking Ford's first crown since 2005.[22] This triumph coincided with structural changes, as FPR rebranded to Prodrive Racing Australia (PRA) amid Ford's withdrawal of factory support, allowing the British-based Prodrive to fully own and operate the outfit while retaining Falcon machinery.[17] Under PRA, the team expanded operations at its peak, fielding up to four cars in select events through partnerships with customer squads like Rod Nash Racing, enhancing data sharing and development resources. By mid-decade, PRA solidified its role as Ford's flagship team, with Mostert adding further wins, such as the 2016 ITM Auckland SuperSprint, while in-house engineering efforts intensified to counter rivals' advantages.[18] However, challenges emerged, including Winterbottom's departure to Walkinshaw Racing at the end of 2017 after a winless season, signaling a transitional phase.[23] In 2018, following Prodrive's acquisition by Tickford Vehicle Engineering, the team rebranded as Tickford Racing, ushering in a new era of independence while honoring its Falcon-era legacy.[24]2020s
In 2023, Tickford Racing transitioned from the Ford Falcon FG X to the seventh-generation Ford Mustang GT as part of the Supercars Championship's introduction of Gen3 regulations, which standardized chassis components and enhanced parity between manufacturers while maintaining a 5.4-liter Coyote V8 engine producing over 600 horsepower.[25] This shift required significant engineering adaptations, including a redesigned suspension geometry and aerodynamic package to align with the new platform's wider stance and lower roofline, enabling the team to debut the Mustang competitively from the season's opening round at Bathurst. The early 2020s brought financial challenges for Tickford, including the withdrawal of customer team 23Red Racing in May 2020 due to the loss of primary sponsor Milwaukee Tools amid the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact, reducing the team's operational scale from four to two full-time cars.[26] Supercheap Auto, a long-standing naming rights partner, ended its association with the team after the 2020 season, shifting to wildcard programs elsewhere. Recovery followed with the expansion of Castrol's partnership in 2021, which grew to naming rights for the No. 55 entry by 2022, marking over two decades of collaboration since the team's Ford Performance Racing origins, alongside continued support from Monster Energy for Cam Waters.[27] These deals stabilized the team's funding, allowing focus on performance development under the new regulations. Amid preparations for the 2026 hybrid era, Tickford faced ownership uncertainties with reports of potential sales involving co-owner Rod Nash and interest from investors, as of mid-2025.[28] Driver lineup evolutions emphasized youth and continuity, with Chaz Mostert's departure at the end of 2019 to join Walkinshaw Andretti United paving the way for Cam Waters' elevation as lead driver in the No. 6 Monster Energy Mustang from 2020 onward. Thomas Randle joined full-time in 2022 as the No. 55 Castrol driver, forming a core pairing that delivered consistent podium results and Bathurst 1000 contention. In 2025, both Waters and Randle secured multi-year contract extensions through 2027, underscoring their roles in the team's resurgence; Rylan Gray made his Supercars debut that year with Tickford, competing in endurance events including the Bathurst 1000 as an 18-year-old wildcard alongside the factory entries. A potential wildcard appearance by NASCAR driver Austin Cindric was announced for the Adelaide 500 finale, aimed at international crossover and testing Gen3 capabilities.[29][30][31] Cultural initiatives highlighted the decade, with Tickford unveiling Indigenous-inspired liveries for the Darwin Triple Crown in June 2025, featuring artwork by Larrakia artist Joshua James on the Mustangs of Waters, Randle, and Gray to celebrate Aboriginal storytelling and connection to Country. Season-wide "warpaint" designs were revealed earlier, incorporating bold graphics from partners like Castrol and Monster to refresh the Mustangs' aesthetics while adhering to Gen3 aero specs. In the Dunlop Super2 Series, Tickford Autosport achieved dominance in 2025, securing multiple podium lockouts—including a clean sweep at Symmons Plains and Tasmania—en route to clinching the teams' championship lead after strong Bathurst results, where drivers like Gray and Lochie Dalton swept the top three in Race 2.[32][33] These upgrades, supported by ongoing Ford Performance partnerships, positioned the team for regulatory evolution while maintaining competitive edge in the V8-dominant final pre-hybrid season.[28]Factory Team
Supercars Championship Program
Tickford Racing fields two full-time entries in the Repco Supercars Championship, contesting all 13 rounds of the 2025 season with Ford Mustang GT Supercars numbered #6 for driver Cam Waters and #55 for Thomas Randle.[34][35] The program adheres to the championship's sprint and endurance format, including high-profile events such as the Bathurst 1000 and The Bend 500, where the team emphasizes reliability and pace in 1000-kilometre and 500-kilometre races respectively.[36] The team's strategic approach centers on the homologation and optimization of the Ford Mustang GT platform, leveraging data analytics and simulation tools at its Campbellfield, Melbourne headquarters to refine vehicle setups for diverse track conditions.[37][38] Sponsorship integrations play a key role, with primary backers including Castrol as a naming rights partner for the #55 entry, alongside Autobarn, Ryco Filters, and Enzed providing essential support for operations and branding across the fleet.[39][40][41] This structure enables a focus on title contention, building on historical successes like those achieved by drivers in the 2010s under the Prodrive banner.[1] For endurance events, Tickford pairs its full-time drivers with experienced co-drivers, such as Mark Winterbottom joining Cam Waters in the #6 Mustang and James Moffat continuing with Thomas Randle in the #55, drawing from past pairings like Dale Wood's tenure with Waters to ensure seamless handovers and competitive stints.[42][43][44] In 2025, the program expanded to three-car entries at select rounds, including the Darwin Triple Crown where rising star Rylan Gray debuted in a wildcard Mustang alongside the core duo, highlighting Tickford's commitment to nurturing talent while pursuing podium finishes.[45][32]Vehicle and Livery Details
Tickford Racing's vehicle lineup in the Supercars Championship has evolved significantly since its inception, beginning with the Ford Falcon BA in 2003 as the foundation for its factory-backed program. The team, operating under various iterations including Prodrive and Ford Performance Racing, utilized the BA Falcon's robust platform for early V8 Supercar entries, which featured a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 engine producing around 600 horsepower in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. This model set the stage for subsequent Falcons like the BF, FG, and FG X through the 2010s, emphasizing durability and aerodynamic efficiency tailored to Australian circuits. The transition to the Ford Mustang GT occurred in 2019, marking the end of Falcon production and aligning with global Ford branding, before the full adoption of the seventh-generation Mustang in 2023 under the Gen3 regulations.[46][47][48] The Gen3 Mustang GT incorporates advanced aerodynamic kits mandated by Supercars, including a lower roofline, wider track, and production-inspired bodywork to enhance visual parity with road cars while maintaining competitive balance. Powered by a 5.4-liter Coyote V8 engine—derived from the production unit but modified for racing—the vehicle delivers over 600 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque through a sequential six-speed gearbox, with a minimum weight of 1,335 kg to ensure fair competition against Chevrolet counterparts. All Supercars, including Tickford's Mustangs, adhere to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which prioritizes traction and handling on high-speed tracks like Mount Panorama, where setups often optimize weight distribution for the circuit's elevation changes and cornering demands. These specifications reflect ongoing parity adjustments, such as ongoing parity adjustments to refine engine performance.[49][50][51][52] Livery designs for Tickford's vehicles have mirrored sponsorship shifts and Ford heritage, starting with blue and orange schemes in the 2000s that evoked classic Ford racing motifs on the Falcon platforms. The 2010s introduced the iconic Castrol green livery, prominently featured on Falcons and early Mustangs, symbolizing the team's partnership with the lubricant giant and emphasizing performance engineering. Entering the 2020s, liveries transitioned to Mustang-inspired aesthetics, with the #55 adopting the iconic Castrol green in the early Gen3 era, while the #6 featured Monster Energy branding, to highlight major sponsors while retaining Ford blue accents for factory identity.[53][54] Special liveries have added cultural and historical depth, including heritage throwbacks at Bathurst that pay homage to past Ford successes, such as retro Castrol designs evoking 1990s rally eras. In 2025, for the Darwin Triple Crown Indigenous Round, Tickford unveiled bespoke designs by Noongar Wardandi Bibulmun artist Joshua James across three Mustangs: one for Cam Waters' #6 car, Thomas Randle's #55, and rookie Rylan Gray's wildcard entry, incorporating storytelling elements like connection to Country and vibrant Indigenous motifs to honor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.[55][32][56] Customization occurs in-house at Tickford's Campbellfield facility in Melbourne, where engineers develop bespoke suspension setups using components like Supashock dampers and aerodynamic refinements, including front splitter adjustments and rear wing optimizations compliant with Gen3 rules. This internal expertise, bolstered by the 2023 launch of Tickford Engineering, allows for track-specific tuning to enhance stability and downforce without compromising parity.[57][58]Customer Teams
Rod Nash Racing
Rod Nash Racing established a customer partnership with Prodrive Racing Australia (PRA), the predecessor to Tickford Racing, in 2010, when PRA expanded its Supercars Championship program to three cars by supplying engines and chassis for Nash's #55 Ford Falcon entry.[59] This marked Nash's transition from independent Holden operations to a Ford-aligned semi-independent team, leveraging PRA's technical resources for preparation and support.[60] Under this model, Rod Nash Racing operated as a customer entity while sharing PRA's facilities and expertise, occasionally aligning with factory car numbers like #55 and #56 during endurance events to optimize logistics and strategy.[61] Key drivers included Paul Dumbrell, who secured Rod Nash Racing's first Supercars victory in the 2010 Yas Marina Grand Prix, and David Reynolds, who achieved seven podium finishes in 2012, including wins at Hidden Valley and Pukekohe.[62] Later, Chaz Mostert joined in 2016, contributing to the team's competitive resurgence. The partnership evolved significantly in 2013 when Rod Nash and Rusty French acquired PRA from its British parent company, renaming it Ford Performance Racing (FPR) and integrating Nash's entry more closely as a fourth car in select seasons.[63] Support continued through the 2010s, with the #55 car upgrading to the Ford Falcon FG X in 2015 for improved aerodynamics and performance. By 2018, following the rebranding to Tickford Racing, Rod Nash Racing fully operated under the Tickford banner, maintaining its distinct identity while benefiting from enhanced shared engineering and data resources.[64] This collaboration yielded shared successes, notably in endurance racing, where Mostert and co-driver Steve Owen clinched the 2017 Pirtek Enduro Cup, highlighting the benefits of Tickford's customer program in long-distance events like the Bathurst 1000. The arrangement has endured beyond 2019, evolving into a core component of Tickford's multi-car strategy without formal mergers, as evidenced by the #55 entry's ongoing participation and 800th race start celebrated in 2025.[65]Team 18
Team 18 entered the Supercars Championship in 2013 as a customer team to Ford Performance Racing (now Tickford Racing), receiving complete car packages that included Ford FG Falcon chassis, engines, and technical support to facilitate their entry into the series. This partnership marked an expansion of Tickford's operations, allowing the factory team to field additional Ford entries beyond its primary lineup and strengthening Ford's overall presence in the manufacturer battle against Holden. The arrangement provided Team 18 with access to Tickford's engineering resources, including setup optimization and data sharing, which helped the new outfit compete from the outset despite limited prior experience.[66] Key drivers during this period included Alex Davison in 2013, who secured the team's first podium finish—a third-place result in Race 2 at the Phillip Island 360—before ending the season 13th in the drivers' standings with 1812 points. Jack Perkins took over for the full 2014 campaign, achieving consistent top-15 finishes and concluding 23rd overall with 1280 points.[67][68][69] These performances highlighted the benefits of Tickford's support, as the drivers benefited from shared analytics and development insights that improved car handling and reliability on diverse circuits. The customer relationship lasted through the 2014 season, ending in 2015 when Team 18 transitioned to Holden support via Walkinshaw Racing before becoming a standalone operation with Nissan Altima machinery in 2016. This shift allowed Tickford to redirect resources toward its core program and other customers like Super Black Racing, but the prior collaboration with Team 18 had lasting impacts by contributing to Ford's multi-team ecosystem, generating valuable on-track data for chassis refinements and bolstering the brand's competitive depth during a pivotal era of manufacturer parity. Notable events included Davison's Phillip Island podium, which not only boosted Team 18's morale in their debut year but also demonstrated the effectiveness of Tickford's customer support model in enabling mid-field challengers to contend for top honors.[70]Other Customer Teams
Super Black Racing operated as a customer team under Prodrive Racing Australia (predecessor to Tickford Racing) from 2015 to 2016, utilizing Prodrive-prepared Ford Falcons in the Supercars Championship to field entries for driver Aaren Russell, though the partnership yielded limited competitive success.[71] Britek Motorsport received engine and technical support from Tickford's predecessor during the 2010s, primarily for its Ford Falcon entry, as team owner Jason Bright relocated his racing entitlement contract to the Ford operation in 2017 to run the #56 car before shifting focus elsewhere.[72] 23Red Racing, formed from former Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport in late 2017, entered as a Tickford customer team in 2018 with Will Davison driving a Tickford-supported Ford Falcon, marking a full-season collaboration.[73] These minor customer arrangements, alongside wildcard opportunities like the 2025 Adelaide Grand Final entry for NASCAR driver Austin Cindric in a Tickford Mustang, contributed to bolstering Ford's overall presence on the Supercars grid without requiring full factory oversight.[74]Super2 Series Involvement
Program Establishment
Tickford Racing's involvement in the Super2 Series began in 2015 under its previous incarnation as Prodrive Racing Australia, establishing a dedicated development squad to field entries in the then-Dunlop Series as a pathway for emerging drivers. The initial entry featured a single Ford Falcon FG X Supercar, prepared in-house and campaigned full-time by Cameron Waters, who aimed to build on his 2014 runner-up finish and secure the series title. This launch marked the team's commitment to fostering talent progression toward the Supercars Championship, leveraging the series' role as a primary stepping stone for rookie drivers seeking superlicence eligibility and main-category opportunities.[75][76] The program operates from the team's headquarters in Campbellfield, Victoria, fully integrated with the factory Supercars operations to facilitate resource sharing, including engineering support and data analysis tools essential for driver and vehicle development. Initially structured around one car in 2015, it expanded to two entries in 2016 with drivers Jack Le Brocq and Garry Jacobson, maintaining a focus on contesting all rounds that align with the Supercars Championship calendar to maximize exposure and testing synergy. As the Supercars field transitioned to Ford Mustang platforms from 2019, Tickford adapted its Super2 cars to GT4-derived Mustang specifications, ensuring continuity in the development pipeline while adhering to the series' Gen2 technical regulations.[77][78][79] The Super2 initiative aligns with the category's regulatory framework, which imposes a cost cap to promote parity and accessibility for emerging teams, while utilizing non-hybrid Gen2 powertrains to maintain affordability and focus on driver skill development over technological escalation. This setup supports Tickford's objective of creating a structured talent pipeline, where promising drivers gain essential experience in a controlled, competitive environment before potential promotion to the factory team's Mustang GT entries.[80][76]Key Achievements and Drivers
Tickford Racing's Super2 Series program has achieved notable success since the mid-2010s, highlighted by the 2015 Dunlop Super2 Series championship win with driver Cam Waters, who dominated the season to secure the title for the team then known as Ford Performance Racing.[81] This victory marked Tickford's first Super2 title and underscored the program's role in developing talent for the Supercars Championship. In the 2020s, the team has built on this foundation with multiple round victories, particularly in 2025, where drivers claimed round wins at Tasmania (Rylan Gray), Townsville (Lochie Dalton), and Bathurst (Rylan Gray).[82][83][33] A standout achievement came in May 2025 at Symmons Plains in Tasmania, where Tickford made history with the first all-Tickford podium sweep in Super2 Series history, as Rylan Gray, Reuben Goodall, and Nash Morris finished 1-2-3 for the round.[84] Gray led the charge with a perfect weekend, winning both races and locking out the podium positions alongside his teammates, contributing to 279 of a possible 300 points.[82] This performance propelled Tickford to the top of the teams' championship standings early in the season, with the team maintaining consistent top-five finishes throughout 2025 and ultimately locking up the teams' title in October.[33][85] Key drivers have been central to these accomplishments, including 2015 champion Cam Waters, whose title run featured multiple race wins and set a benchmark for the program's potential.[86] In 2025, the program fielded a four-car lineup with Rylan Gray (#55), Lochie Dalton (#6), Reuben Goodall (#5), and Nash Morris (#222). Gray emerged as a leader, securing multiple race victories, pole positions, and round wins while winning the drivers' championship.[87][88] Gray's rapid progression exemplifies the Super2 program's success in nurturing talent, as he graduated to a full-time Supercars seat with Dick Johnson Racing for 2026 following his dominant Super2 campaign.[89] The team's entries in Super2, such as the No. 55 Ford Mustang driven by Gray, feature specifications that mirror downscaled versions of their Supercars machinery, including Gen2-era Coyote V8 engines detuned for the series' regulations to emphasize driver development over outright power.[90] This setup has enabled consistent competitiveness, with Tickford fielding multiple Mustangs in 2025 to support its four-car program and achieve podium lockouts like the historic Tasmania result.[88]Racing Results
Championship and Endurance Wins
Tickford Racing has achieved one Drivers' Championship in the Supercars Championship, secured by Mark Winterbottom in 2015 after a dominant season that included multiple race victories and consistent podium finishes.[91] The team has also posted several strong results in the Teams' Championship, finishing as runners-up in 2015 behind Triple Eight Race Engineering while contributing to Ford's competitive presence in the series. In endurance racing, Tickford has claimed two victories at the prestigious Bathurst 1000, marking significant milestones for the squad formerly known as Ford Performance Racing. The first came in 2013, with Winterbottom paired with co-driver Steven Richards overcoming challenging conditions to secure the win by a narrow margin.[91] This was followed by a repeat success in 2014, where Chaz Mostert and Paul Morris delivered a dramatic late-race surge to claim victory despite a high-speed crash earlier in the event.[92] These triumphs represent the team's pinnacle endurance achievements, highlighting their engineering prowess in long-distance formats. Overall, Tickford Racing has amassed numerous race wins in the Supercars Championship, with a total exceeding 80 victories as of late 2025, beginning with their first success at Phillip Island in 2003 by Craig Lowndes in wet conditions.[11] Recent highlights include Cam Waters sweeping all three races from pole position at the 2025 season-opening Thrifty Sydney 500, a rare feat that underscored the team's early-season dominance with the Ford Mustang GT.[93] In the Super2 Series, Tickford has nurtured talent through multiple drivers' titles, starting with Cam Waters' championship in 2015 during his developmental campaign with the team.[91] This was followed by Thomas Randle's title win in 2020, solidifying the program's reputation for progression to the main Supercars grid.[91] The 2025 season saw further success with Rylan Gray clinching the drivers' championship, supported by the team's outright Teams' Championship victory after locking it in at Bathurst, complemented by dominant round results such as a 1-2-3-4 finish at Townsville.[33][94]Teams' and Drivers' Standings
Tickford Racing has demonstrated consistent competitiveness in the Supercars Championship teams' standings, achieving a peak of first place in 2022 with 7166 points across its four-car program.[95] The team maintained top-five finishes throughout much of the late 2010s and early 2020s, including third place from 2017 to 2022 and fourth in 2023, before securing second in 2024 with 4523 points.[96] In 2025, Tickford finished third in the teams' championship with 3755 points.[7]| Year | Teams' Position | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2nd (as Prodrive Racing Australia) | Not specified in aggregate; contributed to driver's title success |
| 2022 | 1st | 7166 |
| 2023 | 4th | 3667 |
| 2024 | 2nd | 4523 |
| 2025 | 3rd | 3755 |