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FORD STAR DEFECTS TO HOLDEN

Mark Winterbottom to defect to Holden - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Mark Winterbottom to defect to Holden - Photo: LAT

Mark Winterbottom to defect to Holden – Photo: LAT

FADED FORD star Mark Winterbottom has all but confirmed he is defecting to Holden.

By MARK FOGARTY

In an exclusive extended interview in the latest issue of AUTO ACTION, Winterbottom revealed that he has a drive for next year.

Without naming his new team, ‘Frosty’ admitted that his move is a big risk, supporting speculation that he is joining Charlie Schwerkolt’s Team 18 one-car operation.

In the interview, Winterbottom steadfastly maintains that his impending departure from Tickford Racing is not about money.

He asserts that he is moving for a new challenge after 13 seasons with Tickford and its previous incarnations, Ford Performance Racing and Prodrive Racing Australia.

“I have a drive next year,” Winterbottom declared. “We’ll announce it soon, which will be good. The first thing was to announce that I was leaving Tickford because it’s the respectful way to do it.

“I’m looking forward to new relationships and pulling your finger out of your backside a bit and having to work hard instead of just doing the same thing.”

According to AA’s informed sources, Winterbottom is joining a heavily revamped Team 18 running a full Triple Eight-spec ZB Commodore.

Another piece of the puzzle has been added with confirmation that the team will have a new naming rights sponsor to replace Preston Hire, as already revealed in AUTO ACTION magazine.

It is understood that Irwin Tools will return to Supercars as primary backer of Team 18, to be announced along with Winterbottom’s signing soon.

Winterbottom is taking over from Lee Holdsworth, who is on the market with, it is believed, some support from Preston Hire to help secure a drive.

Ironically, Holdsworth could be a contender to join Tickford, which is set to retain The Bottle-O as primary sponsor of the new #5 Mustang.

Others vying to replace Winterbottom include Michael Caruso, who could leave Kelly Racing, Gary Jacobson, who has a previous connection with the Campbellfield squad, and Thomas Randle, looking to be promoted from Super2 under the patronage of team co-owner Rusty French.

Schwerkolt has committed to trying to be a front-runner next year, including a change of personnel and increased financial resources.

According to Winterbottom, his move isn’t career suicide.

“I like pressure,” he said. “I thrive on pressure and there’s more pressure with what I’m doing. I like challenges, so I’m up for the challenge.

“It’s going to be satisfying if you can turn it into something, and make it your own and build it with a great bunch of people and turn it into something.”

As well as securing Irwin Tools’ return, it is understood that ActronAir will migrate with Frosty.

Orrcon Steel, a long-time backer of FPR/PRA/TR, may also follow him to Team 18.

AA has seen an internal email announcing the end of Orrcon’s backing of Tickford Racing, but continued support of Frosty is still to be decided.

According to Winterbottom, he and Tickford Racing simply fell out of love.

“It’s not about money,” he avowed. “Without going into the details of it, the fact is it’s not money driven. I’m not trying to cash in and retire. It’s more that I see an opportunity to get back up the front and back to winning championships, and that’s why I’ve done it.

“I might look silly. The Mustang and Tickford, they might come out and win next year. You just have to live with the decisions you make. But it definitely isn’t about money.”

Winterbottom maintains his decision to leave Tickford and Ford will make more sense when it is announced soon.

“When it all comes out in a couple of weeks, people will have their opinions, good or bad,” he said. “I’m looking forward to new relationships and pulling your finger out of your backside a bit and having to work hard instead of just doing the same thing.

“I’m looking forward to announcing where I’m going and then putting in the effort and making it work.”

Despite his horror season this year, Winterbottom is confident he can rebound as a front-runner with the right equipment.

For the full revealing interview, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION, on sale now.

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