What condemned Tickford to 'big re-think' after New Zealand

Tickford Racing is determined to undo its qualifying wobbles moving forward in 2026 after a lacklustre ITM NZ Double Header.

The team dropped from second to fourth across the two weeks, and sat as low as fifth before returning to fourth.

Cam Waters also dropped from second to fourth in the drivers’ standings, but spared the team’s blushes with a stunning fightback after a battery issue forced him to a pit lane start.

It was a tougher time for Thomas Randle, who failed to qualify in the top five for the last five races of the New Zealand swing, leaving him vulnerable to mid-pack chaos.

Those fears were realised when Randle was battered on lap 1 of the Christchurch finale, leaving the Castrol Ford bruised for the next 60 laps.

Across the two weeks, Tickford was the lowest ranked Ford team, being out-scored by Penrite Racing, Red Bull Ampol Racing, Shell V-Power Racing Team and Blanchard Racing Team.

In 2026, Waters (10.6 average) and Randle (11.8) are ranked 10th and 12th in qualifying. Across the New Zealand rounds, Waters (11.3) was ranked 11th, and Randle (13.5) 14th.

Tickford boss Rod Nash admitted New Zealand didn’t go to plan, with qualifying performance a key focus point heading to Tasmania.

“The whole New Zealand experience has not been what we wanted. Qualifying pace determines your races, and we made it tough for ourselves on Friday and Saturday.

“For Cam Waters to finish [fifth] after starting from the pit lane on Sunday, following a battery problem on the grid, shows what’s possible.

"Thomas Randle took a hit early and just finishing was a not bad result because the car is a mess.

“We’re finishing races and collecting points but we have to find our way before Tasmania. We’ve got a bit of work to do, so we’ll have a big re-think on where we’re at and how to get moving.”

Tickford claimed a pole for Randle in 2025 and win for Waters in 2024 at Tasmania, where the season resumes on May 22-24.

2026 ITM NZ Double Header

Points scored by teams

Including teams' penalties

Note: Grove Racing was issued dual 30-point penalties across the Double Header