Tickford underlines Bathurst after Pukekohe defeat
Tickford Racing’s gaze is firmly on Bathurst after a weekend of near-misses in New Zealand.
Cam Waters finished on the podium in all three races at the ITM Auckland SuperSprint.
None, however, were race-winning results despite Waters’ efforts.
Waters led the finale to the closing laps before he was overhauled by Shane van Gisbergen.
Tickford CEO and Team Principal Tim Edwards said the Race 29 defeat left Waters gutted.
Waters reiterated the sentiment, saying it ’stings’ to lose with a win for the taking.
Edwards also suggested the defeats have only spurred on Waters and the team heading to Mount Panorama.
"It wasn’t our best weekend, but we did have good car speed across the weekend which is encouraging,” he said.
“It was great as always to see the support from the New Zealand fan base.
"Certainly Cam had a really strong weekend, and I know he’s gutted not to hold on in the last race.
“But two thirds and a second are certainly good for the championship and puts him in a good space ahead of Bathurst.
"We’ll turn our attention to the big one coming up, no doubt we have one goal there and we’ll show up ready to get after it.”
Waters and Tickford have finished runner-up in the last two Great Races.
In 2020, Waters combined with Will Davison to race from pole to P2, with van Gisbergen winning.
Last year, Chaz Mostert denied Waters, handing Walkinshaw Andretti United a famous win.
Mostert, who finished second in Sunday’s first race, also turned his focus to Bathurst.
There, he will be partnered by Fabian Coulthard, who hasn't won in 18 attempts.
“Awesome to get that trophy today, car was great, race played out well, and it was just great to reward the entire team with a good result,” Mostert said.
“Our starting position in the final race was always going to make it hard, but we moved forward which was good.
“It’s a real shame we don’t get to come back here ever again but the weekend was awesome to be a part of, the crowd was incredible, at the atmosphere was next level.
“Now, we switch our focus to Bathurst, looking forward to heading up there and getting underway.”
Tickets for the Repco Bathurst 1000 are available on Supercars.com and Ticketek.
