Winterbottom: Mostert's a Superstar
Pepsi Max Crew FPR’s Mark Winterbottom has billed 2014 V8 Supercars teammate Chaz Mostert a superstar, tipping a huge future for the rookie racer.
Ford Performance Racing today announced its driver line-up for next season, with Mostert to steer the #6 Falcon currently campaigned by Will Davison.
Winterbottom – who has extended his contract with FPR until at least the end of 2016 – said it was exciting times for the team, though he is sad to see his current teammate leave.
“It’s exciting times for FPR,” Winterbottom said.
“I’ve obviously signed for a few years and have Chaz come on board; and he’s a superstar, absolute superstar. But at the same time, Will has been a great asset to the team for two years but has gone off to do what he has to do.”
“So, exciting times and also sad times at the same time – but change is sometimes good so we’ll see what happens next year.”
Davison later this morning issued a separate statement confirming his departure from FPR and his inability to share information on his situation for 2014 at this stage.
Though contracted to FPR, Mostert has spent this season on loan to Dick Johnson Racing after being called up from the Dunlop Series for the fourth V8 Supercars event in Perth. He earned a race win at the Coates Hire Ipswich 360 earlier this season – just his fifth Championship event.
“He’s hungry, a very good young driver and I’m well aware he’s going to be pushing everyone in our team because he has got, seriously, a lot of talent,” Winterbottom said.
“Next year is going to be an interesting year to see who does what in our team.
“Chaz is a superstar – he’s had his highs and lows this year but you’ve got to learn your way and have these moments. He’s going to be a superstar of the future so watch this space.”
Mostert is pleased to secure his future with the factory Ford squad, and is thankful to DJR for helping put him on the V8 Supercars map this season.
“It’s absolutely fantastic news, and really sad to leave DJR as well,” the 21-year old said. “(Dick Johnson is) my idol and one of the guys who has made this sport possible.”
While he has made the winners list for 2013, Mostert has felt the heartbreak of the sport after a heavy impact crash at last event the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. The team worked around the clock to repair his Falcon for the main race, but it was an uphill battle starting from pit lane.
Mostert hopes to bounce back this weekend, paired with Dale Wood, and reward his dedicated crew for the hard yards.
“It’s pa retty aggressive track and I try and state myself as an aggressive driver,” he said.
“Coming off the weekend at Bathurst – not having a great one – fingers crossed we can bounce back this weekend, get some results for the guys and if we’re going well enough hopefully get a surfboard.”
The ARMOR ALL Gold Coast 600 kicks off tomorrow at Surfers Paradise and is the final event of the PIRTEK Enduro Cup. This is the last appearance for co-drivers, and the Championship battle is also heating up with Red Bull Racing Australia and Pepsi Max Crew FPR holding the top four positions.
Click here for ways to follow this weekend’s action.
