Tickford locks in Bathurst co-driver line-up

Tickford Racing has locked in its full suite of driving combinations for this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

The three Tickford Mustangs will feature all-new pairings and a Supercars debutant.

The team’s previously announced co-drivers James Moffat and Thomas Randle will race with Cameron Waters and James Courtney respectively for the Great Race.

Zak Best, the team’s leading light in the Dunlop Super2 Series, will make his main game debut alongside Jack Le Brocq.

Best’s debut comes after Alex Premat, who had planned to co-drive with the team this year, was withdrawn due to international travel challenges.

Moffat, the 2014 runner-up, is set to make his fourth Bathurst start for Tickford.

Son of four-time Bathurst winner Allan, Moffat will share the #6 Monster Energy Ford Mustang with Waters, who took pole for the 2020 edition.

Waters is the most recent winner in the championship, having won the last start Race 19 at July’s WD-40 Townsville SuperSprint.

"Racing with Cam is obviously very exciting,” Moffat said.

"He’s certainly been one of the in-form drivers this year and seems to really have the car working well, which is great to see.

"We’ve shared the car a couple of times this year at test days and have worked things out, so we’re feeling comfortable and confident heading to Bathurst.

"And I won’t lie, it’s cool to put that Monster Energy cap on, too, so it’s great to be back and be racing with Cam.”

Randle will return to the main game in the #44 Boost Mobile Mustang, having completed two wildcard appearances for Tickford in Tailem Bend and Darwin.

The 2020 Super2 champion made his Great Race debut with Tickford alongside Lee Holdsworth in 2019.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity to team up with JC in the Boost Mobile Mustang,” Randle said.

“Obviously he’s a former champion and a really strong racer, there’s certainly a lot I can learn from him so getting the chance to share the car with him is pretty special.

"I’ve had a really positive experience in my two wildcard races thus far this season, and I’ll definitely carry that momentum and confidence into Bathurst.

"I think we’ll be a very strong car come race day, I’m really looking forward to it.”

With Premat unable to make it, Best - who won his first Super2 race in Townsville in July - earned the call-up.

Best will dovetail his co-driving duties with the Super2 season finale on the mountain.

"I’m obviously really excited to be stepping up to make my main game debut at Bathurst with Jack,” 20-year-old Best said.

"I’m still sort of pinching myself realising I’m going to race in the Bathurst 1000.

"We’ve had a pretty strong year in Super2 so far and I’m feeling really comfortable in the team, and I’m really thankful to the team for seeing that and giving me the opportunity.

"It’ll be a big week racing both in Super2 and the ‘1000,’ but I can’t wait for it.”

Tickford Racing CEO and Team Principal Tim Edwards was excited to head to Bathurst with fresh pairings.

Edwards lamented Premat’s absence, but was adamant Best had earned the opportunity.

"It’s of course very disappointing that we’ve had to park Alex again this year,” Edwards said.

“We only came to that decision recently, and even with the prospect of changes to international travel into New South Wales, organising flights is very challenging, so we’ve decided to remain committed to the path and give Zak the opportunity to step up into that seat.

"He’s done an excellent job for us in Super2 and obviously knows the team and the cars pretty well so he’s certainly earned the opportunity, and we think he’ll do a great job for us.

"Moff is incredibly quick at Bathurst and has obviously driven for us for several years now, then Thomas is of course on his way to a full-time seat and has been very strong this year himself, so we’re very happy with our driver pairings and the teams we’ve put together for Bathurst.

"I’ve said it before, these days at Bathurst you need drivers who are both fast and reliable, and I think all three of our cars are very well balanced for this year’s race.”

The 2021 Repco Bathurst 1000 will commence from November 30, with race day on December 5.

Tickets for all four Sydney events are on sale now.