Tickford Racing confirms Edwards exit
Edwards to leave Tickford at end of 2023 season
Former F1 team manager joined Ford team in 2005
News comes after Tickford confirmed move from four to two cars for 2024
Long-time Tickford Racing CEO and Team Principal Tim Edwards will depart the Ford squad at season’s end, the team has confirmed.
Edwards joined the team in 2005 when it ran under the Ford Performance Racing banner, and oversaw Bathurst wins in 2013 and 2014, and a drivers' championship in 2015.
A former Jordan Formula One Team Manager, Edwards has been at the helm for all bar one of the team's 81 Supercars victories. He also served on the Supercars Commission.
The Edwards announcement comes after the team confirmed it will downscale from four to two cars for the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship.
Edwards will continue in the role until the completion of the 2023 season, with a comprehensive recruitment process to be undertaken to identify a new CEO to lead the team in 2024 and beyond.
"It has been an incredible journey to lead this team and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together," Edwards said in a Tickford statement.
"I am grateful for the unwavering support of Rod [Nash, Co-Owner and Managing Director] and Sven [Burchartz, Co-Owner], our dedicated team, drivers, loyal sponsors and partners, and our passionate fans and members.
"The decision to step down was not made lightly, but I believe it's the right time for both my family and the team as we look toward the future.
"There has been speculation about where I will be heading next but my short-term plans are simple: I want to take some time out to explore this great country, enjoy some time with my friends and family, clear my head and focus on what is next."
According to Nash, the decision forms part of the strategic restructuring of the business to forge the team’s path into the future.
"The Executive Team that Tim is part of has been working on strategic adjustments in the way the business continues to commercialise its opportunities over the past 12 months," Nash said.
"Part of that is welcoming a new era of leadership for the road ahead, all based on the strong foundation that Tickford is all about which is a direct result of Tim’s passion and the strong infrastructure he has put in place throughout his tenure."
"Tim has been one of the driving forces behind Tickford Racing for almost 20 years. His contribution to not only the team’s development but to the wider Supercars network cannot be understated.
"Tim has always played an active role in a number of boards and committees and is well respected in the paddock.
"Personally, I’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with Tim along with his wife Trudie who is also well known within the racing community. Trudie has always been a strong ambassador for the team with her roles in corporate hospitality and the team’s membership program along with her catering skills that the whole team have appreciated immensely.
"Everyone at Tickford extends its heartfelt thanks to Tim and Trudie for their dedication to the team and wish them the very best. Tim leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all associated with Tickford Racing."
Cam Waters is the highest placed Tickford driver in the 2023 standings in seventh, ahead of Thomas Randle in 17th, James Courtney in 18th, and Declan Fraser in 24th.
Tickford's 2023 campaign will continue at the Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 5-8.
