TICKFORD Racing will expand to five cars at two events of the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship to field a wildcard entry for Zak Best.
Best, currently leading the Super2 Series for Tickford, will step up to the ‘main game’ for Hidden Valley in June and The Bend in July.
The Darwin round represents his first solo championship start, having made and impressive debut alongside Jack Le Brocq at last year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.
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“I’m pumped to be joining the Supercars grid as a wildcard later this year,” Best said.
“It’s really cool to take this step with Tickford Racing and I’m looking forward to getting out there and having a crack.
“I’ve been with Tickford for a little over a year now and we’ve covered a lot of ground in that time, the next step really is to get into the main game and see how we go.
“I grew up watching a lot of the current drivers racing Supercars, so it’ll be pretty special to share the track and race against those same guys at Darwin and The Bend.
“Obviously the goal will be to just do the best I can, so I’m training hard and preparing in the best way I can to make sure I’m ready to go, I can’t wait.”
The 20-year-old Benalla product joined Tickford last year for his sophomore Super2 campaign, claiming his first round win in the season-opener at Mount Panorama and a maiden race win in Townsville on his way to second in points.
This year he once again leads the points after the opening round, a second and a first in the two races at Sydney Motorsport Park in March putting him 30 points clear at the top of the standings.
“Zak has impressed us at pretty much every turn since he joined the team, both in our Super2 program and as a co-driver last year,” Tickford team principal Tim Edwards said.
“The natural next step for him is to make his solo debut, so we’re very pleased to have put together a couple of wildcard outings for him this season.
“It’s easy to forget Zak’s only been driving for us a little over a year, he’s had a lot thrown at him in that time and has taken it all in stride.
“It’s a whole new challenge and a considerable step up for him, but we’re very comfortable with giving it to him and are confident he’ll take it on and make the most of the opportunity.”
Best will next be in action when the Super2 Series resumes at Wanneroo Raceway next weekend on the support card for Supercars’ Perth SuperNight round.
