Waters reacts to 'pretty special' Winterbottom deal

Driving with former mentor and teammate Mark Winterbottom is going to be "pretty special" for Cam Waters.

Winterbottom was confirmed Wednesday in a two-pronged deal with Tickford Racing, with the 2015 Supercars champion confirmed as Waters' co-driver, as well as a mentor to the team's rising stars.

It marks a homecoming of sorts for Winterbottom, who achieved the greatest successes of his decorated career while with Tickford.

Winterbottom was the team's leading light between 2006 and 2018, winning the 2015 title, 2013 Bathurst 1000 and 38 races.

Winterbottom was there from the start of Waters' time in Tickford blue, the latter debuting for the team in the 2014 Dunlop Series, before going on to win the title in 2015.

Winterbottom and Waters were full-time teammates between 2016 and 2018 before the former moved on to Team 18. Come 2025, and they're back together again, albeit in the same car for the enduros.

"Frosty was a key role model for me in the early days of my career and played a significant part in my development," Waters said.

"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."

Winterbottom is determined to help Waters scale the heights of Supercars, with Tickford's current spearhead still searching for his first championship and Bathurst wins.

Waters finished runner-up at the 2020 Great Race with Will Davison, and reeled off two more Bathurst podiums alongside James Moffat, who is expected to drive with Thomas Randle. However, victory remains elusive.

"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. Cam’s one of the best drivers in the field," Winterbottom said.

“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."