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The instruction from the top for wildcard Best

16 Jun 2022
Young Victorian thrown into the deep end
2 mins by James Pavey
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Tickford boss Tim Edwards’ instruction for wildcard Zak Best is clear: "Go as fast as possible".

The young Victorian will make his solo full-time debut in Darwin this weekend.

Best, who races a Tickford Falcon in Super2, will steer a fifth Tickford Mustang at Hidden Valley.

The 20-year-old is one of two Darwin wildcards, Jayden Ojeda being the other.

While he will be thrown in the deep end, Best has the blessing of his boss to get his elbows out.

"He gave me no expectations," Best told Supercars.com.

"He said, ‘Go out there and do your best, and go as fast as possible’.

"That’s what wildcards are all about.

"I want to learn as much as I can, but I don’t want to be on the back few rows.

"There’s so much to take in; how to race on Super Softs, qualifying formats, more track time."

Best will again race with his father Darren’s number, as he has done in Super2.

Darren Best campaigned in GTP Showroom Showdowns at the turn of the century.

Zak’s older sister Ellexandra is also a racer in her own right, and is currently plying her trade in V8 SuperUtes.

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Best made his Great Race debut last year, and will return with Tickford for a second start in October.

Tickford has a decorated history of bringing young drivers through the ranks.

Two of its four drivers, Cam Waters and Thomas Randle, won Super2 titles.

Best with Tickford veteran James Courtney

Best could yet form a key part of the 2023 silly season, but the immediate focus is on Darwin.

"It feels genuine; driving your own car, in your own garage, own mechanics," Best said.

"You see your name on the car and on the garage, it’s a cool feeling.

"It’s not a shock to me; it was planned pretty early in the year.

"Everyone’s been really accommodating."

Best will continue his 2022 Super2 campaign in Townsville next month.

His second wildcard start will come in Tailem Bend later this year.

Purchase your Merlin Darwin Triple Crown tickets now.

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