'He is truly deserving': Tickford respond to DJR-bound Gray's departure

Tickford Racing have wished their teenage Super2 prospect Rylan Gray all the best as he prepares for his full-time graduation in 2026.

Gray, who currently leads the Dunlop Super2 Series heading into the final round in Adelaide, was this afternoon confirmed to be joining Dick Johnson Racing next year, following the announcement of Will Davison's shock departure.

Gray first appeared in Tickford colours in the 2023 Super3 finale in Adelaide, driving an FG X Falcon just days after turning 17, the minimum age requirement to drive a Supercar.

After keeping a clean nose, Gray graduated to the team's Super2 program last year, and became the youngest ever Super2 round winner at the Repco Bathurst 1000, still aged 17.

2025 has been a dominant campaign, Gray having only finished off the podium twice in 10 starts.

However, with incumbent main game stars Cam Waters and Thomas Randle both locked in until at least 2027, it was clear that Gray's future lay elsewhere.

“Everyone at Tickford Racing is very supportive and excited to see Rylan be offered this fantastic opportunity for next year," said Tickford CEO Simon Brookhouse.

‍"Rylan’s achievements the team have been nothing short of spectacular. Over the time he has been at Tickford Racing, we wanted to provide the best opportunities for him as a driver so he could continue to succeed.

‍"Competing in both Super2 and the enduros this year was a massive challenge, but we believe in his talent and couldn’t fault what he was able to do in the Gen3 Mustang.

‍"At Tickford, we want to provide young drivers the opportunity to gain experience at the highest level. Rylan has shown great potential over the three years with the team and to be rewarded with a full time drive in 2026 is well deserved."

Tickford Managing Director Rod Nash added: "I commend Rylan for his commitment and success within the Tickford Autosport Program.

‍"The development of his race craft over the journey with the team has been special to watch and he is truly deserving of this opportunity.

‍"It’s also a credit to the Autosport team personnel within the business that successfully runs its development program. They continue to strongly develop drivers within the Dunlop Series and Wildcard structure for that potential leap into the main game of Supercars."

Tickford are guaranteed to win their first Super2 title since Garry Jacobson's 2016 success, with Gray and teammates Lochie Dalton, Nash Morris, and Reuben Goodall the only drivers still in mathematical contention.

Waters and Randle, meanwhile, are both set to contest the Semi Final round of the Repco Supercars Finals Series at the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 from November 14-16.