TICKFORD RACING REVEAL BOTTLE-O LIVERY
Mark Winterbottom’s Tickford Racing Bottle-O Ford Falcon – Photo: Supplied
Tickford Racing has revealed the second livery from their stable, this time showing off Mark Winterbottom’s The Bottle-O Racing Team Ford FG X Falcon.
The 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Season marks the twelfth consecutive year The Bottle-O’s iconic green will be represented on the grid and the third with the former Supercars champion.
This year’s livery deviates slightly from the predominantly green and black of recent seasons. The new look features the addition of white with some aggressively styled features as well as the “triple slashes” symbolic of the Tickford brand.
“I think the car looks sharp,” said Winterbottom.
“The aggressive lines and variance of colour make it a bit different than the last couple of years, but it retains that classic green of The Bottle-O, so you’ll definitely know who’s coming whether you’re a fan in the stands or a competitor on the track.”
“It’s a big year ahead and I’m looking forward to getting The Bottle-O Falcon on the track.”
Winterbottom is determined to provide Tickford Racing with real results this year after going winless in 2017, the first time he’s gone without a race win since joining the team in 2006.
Despite the frustrating year, Winterbottom managed a top six finish in the championship standings for the twelfth straight season, the longest active streak in Supercars.
Affectionately known as “Frosty,” Winterbottom enters his 15th season of full-time Supercars competition with a renewed vigor and is eager to get the season underway.
“I always love this time of the year,” Winterbottom said, “it’s like the first day of school. As a driver, you’re always wanting to get back in the car, and I’m ready to get the new season started.”
“Obviously 2017 was a struggle for us, but we finished the year pretty strong which was good. I know we’ve got the ability to run up front, so I’m extremely motivated to get to the pointy end and stay there.”
Team principal and CEO Tim Edwards is also enthusiastic about the upcoming season, in which the team aims to contend for race wins early and often.
“We’re certainly looking forward to the new season with The Bottle-O Racing Team,” said Edwards.
“It’s exciting to have their continued support of Tickford Racing, and we have high hopes for what’s ahead. A new season brings new challenges and new goals, but to have the same sponsor and driver in the same car makes things much more comfortable for everyone involved.”
Scott Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Liquor Marketers, expressed his excitement for the brand’s twelfth season in Supercars.
“The Bottle-O has had a longstanding presence in Supercars, so it makes sense that we continue with such an accomplished team as Tickford Racing,” said Marshall said
“Our partnership with the team has been mutually beneficial, and with Frosty as a great brand ambassador and champion driver, we’re sure that success will continue this season. We’ve been fortunate to have some great successes over the years in Supercars, and look forward to continuing that with Frosty in 2018.”
Winterbottom and his No. 5 The Bottle-O Ford will take to the track this Friday, February 16 at the annual SuperTest at Sydney Motorsport Park, followed by the season-opening Adelaide 500 March 1-4.
For more of the latest Supercars news, pick up the latest issue of Auto Action, on sale now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.
