TICKFORD Racing protégé Zak Best is showing the exact signs which the team hoped to see from him in 2023.
Best was controversially overlooked for a full-time seat in the off-season when Declan Fraser was instead drafted in from Triple Eight to replace Jake Kostecki.
The two-time Super2 title runner-up expressed frustration at the decision, but Tickford was quick to declare he remained a big part of its future.
MORE: Why Tickford chose Fraser over Best
The Benalla product was subsequently confirmed as an enduro co-driver, most likely partnering James Courtney, and pieced together a Super2 deal with Anderson Motorsport.
In a young but talented second-tier field, Best has looked every bit the veteran, enjoying a consistent run through the opening two rounds to create a 48-point series lead heading into Townsville.
What’s more is he’s getting the Triple Eight/Fraser treatment à la 2022, travelling around with Tickford to events beyond those on the Super2 calendar to integrate himself further.
MORE: Tickford branching out with new engineering arm
Tickford CEO Tim Edwards described the 21-year-old as “really growing into himself now” and expressed overall satisfaction with his progress.
“As we said at the end of last year, Zak is still well and truly part of our team so he is coming to all of the races and learning and digesting as much as he possibly can,” said Edwards.
“Obviously he is competing at half of the rounds but at the other rounds he comes along to listen and learn.”
Best is sure to factor in the silly season, most likely with Tickford, which is yet to formally announce any of its 2024 driver line-up.
Cam Waters’ future has been a hot topic for weeks now, while a new dimension to the driver market has been added with Triple Eight’s revelation that Shane van Gisbergen is free to pursue a full-time NASCAR deal as soon as next year.
Waters, Courtney, Fraser and Thomas Randle form Tickford’s main game quartet this year.
