Tickford adds wildcard for Super2 prodigy

Tickford Racing will enter a fifth Mustang in coming rounds for wildcard Zak Best.

Best, who leads the Super2 standings, will make his solo Supercars debut as a wildcard entry.

The Victorian will make his solo debut in Darwin in June, and will make a second appearance in Tailem Bend.

Super2 will not be at either event, meaning Best’s full focus will be on his wildcard program.

Best joins an impressive line of Super2 drivers from Tickford’s stable who have made the leap to the main game.

Most recently, 2020 Super2 champion Thomas Randle commenced his first full-time season with the team.

Randle completed wildcard appearances for Tickford in 2019 and 2021.

Team spearhead Cam Waters graduated to the main game with Tickford in 2016 after winning the Super2 title.

Best impressed in 2021, which was his maiden campaign with Tickford. The Benalla driver finished second overall, and also made his Great Race debut alongside Jack Le Brocq.

He will make a second Bathurst 1000 start later this year, and is in the frame for a full-time drive as James Courtney edges towards retirement.

"I’m pumped to be joining the Supercars grid as a wildcard later this year," Best said.

"It’s really cool to take this step with Tickford Racing and I’m looking forward to getting out there and having a crack.

Best won in Sydney in March

"I’ve been with Tickford for a little over a year now and we’ve covered a lot of ground in that time, the next step really is to get into the main game and see how we go.

"I grew up watching a lot of the current drivers racing Supercars, so it’ll be pretty special to share the track and race against those same guys at Darwin and The Bend.

"Obviously the goal will be to just do the best I can, so I’m training hard and preparing in the best way I can to make sure I’m ready to go, I can’t wait."

Best will make his solo Supercars debut at the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown on June 17-19.

He will return to his Tickford Mustang at The Bend SuperSprint on July 30-31.

Best will resume his 2022 Super2 campaign in Perth next weekend.