Why Darwin takes Randle full circle

The forthcoming Darwin event marks one year since Thomas Randle officially became a full-time Tickford driver.

It was at Hidden Valley in June 2021 where Tickford Racing revealed Randle as one of its four drivers for 2022.

The 2020 Super2 champion was on site as one of two wildcards in Darwin.

The deal was announced on the Friday of the race weekend. 

It was also confirmed that Tickford was the recipient of the 25th Racing Entitlements Contract.

Fast forward 12 months, and Randle has undergone a baptism of fire in the main game.

Through five rounds, Randle is 19th in the championship.

While 2022 hasn’t yet borne fruit, Randle is eager to return to the scene of what proved to be a memorable weekend.

“I didn’t think the news of me getting the full-time gig was going to be announced that weekend,” he told Supercars.com.

“Obviously I’d known for a while but it was great to have it off my chest.

“There’s no better place to announce a contract when you’re at a race meeting.

“I felt pretty buoyant from there and the weekend actually went really well for us.”

Randle scored a surprise top 10 in the opener before finishing off the weekend with a solid 11th.

It was in that race when Randle put a stunning overtake on Anton De Pasquale.

Randle on track last June

Aside from that highlight moment, a stall in pit lane and mechanical dramas kept him on his toes.

“We got a top 10 in the first race, and we were around the top 10 in the last race,” he recalled.

"At least I'm going back to a track that I raced at in the main game.

“We’ll go through everything we learned and what we’ve learned this year as well.

“I need to improve my qualifying anyway, that’s something I need to work on.

“It’ll be nice not to stall in the pit box as well!"

The 2022 season will resume in Darwin on June 17-19. Purchase your tickets now.