Mostert 'fought hard to the death' to be top Ford

Chaz Mostert says he “fought to the death” in a spirited campaign that saw the Walkinshaw Andretti United star lead Ford's brigade and steal fourth in the standings on the final day.

Mostert led the championship in the early races of the season before settling into fifth behind the Erebus Motorsport and Triple Eight drivers.

The two-time Bathurst winner went winless through 28-race season, but managed to pinch fourth from Will Brown in Sunday’s final race.

With fourth and fifth in Adelaide, versus Brown’s DNF and 14th, Mostert overhauled Brown to prevent an all-Erebus and Triple Eight top four.

Such was his consistency, that matched his efforts from 2020, and Tim Slade’s from 2012, as recent drivers to score top five championship positions in winless seasons.

“We ended up P4 in the championship, we can’t be disheartened with that, it’s been a hard slog this year,” said the new Barry Sheene Medal winner, who claimed six podiums.

WAU CEO Bruce Stewart said his team was proud to have Mostert lead the Blue Oval’s efforts, with the Clayton squad already focused on 2024.

“We’re exhausted but also very proud to have Chaz Mostert as the best Mustang driver in fourth for the season,” Stewart said.

“The team fought hard all weekend and we never felt like we had the perfect car, but it was still good to be racing hard in the top 10.

“Clearly, 2024 has not allowed us to compete at the high level we expect as a team.

“But, we’ve got our eyes forward and we’re already focused on next year’s championship.”

WAU will welcome Ryan Wood to its main game ranks, with the Kiwi replacing Matt Stone Racing-bound Nick Percat.

Wood won five races, three rounds and scored five poles en route to third in the Dunlop Super2 Series standings.