MARK WINTERBOTTOM CONFIRMED AT TEAM18

Mark Winterbottom joins Team 18/Irwin Racing – Photo: Supplied

The worst kept secret of the Supercars silly season has been confirmed with Team18 and Mark Winterbottom joining forces in 2019.

As suggested by Auto Action, Winterbottom joins the team after 13 years at Tickford Racing, with IRWIN Tools taking over as the major sponsor of the team’s Holden Commodore ZB next season.

“I’m really excited, it was a big call to go to Team 18 but now I’ve met the team and sponsors and seen what’s coming it’s really exciting,” Winterbottom said.

“I think it’s going to be a good year and when it all comes out about the staff and sponsor everyone will understand why I’ve made the move and it’ll make more sense.”

The 2015 Supercars Champion is confident that working in a small team will not hamper his ability to produce results.

“A small team is refreshing; to have the whole team working together for one goal and all working together. Every person has to deliver to get the result and that’s myself, the engineers, everyone,” he continued.

“I’m sure there will be some difficulties like pit stops and data sharing but in saying that with the weaknesses comes the strengths and having 10 to 12 crew with one goal and having a little family going racing is going to be a great approach.”

The move ends Winterbottom’s association with Ford that stems back to his runner up finish in the 2002 Australian Formula Ford title and his victory in the 2003 Development Series with Stone Brothers Racing. The Ford favourite is unconcerned by the change of brand and is looking forward to the new challenge.

“I haven’t thought about the badge to be honest.” Winterbottom said.

“I’ve looked at the opportunity not the brand of car and haven’t quite come to terms with that at the moment but from the inside they all look the same and I think the opportunity that Charlie and Team 18 offered was too good to turn down.

“The Holden will be different but at the same time if we are winning races I’ll be happy to do it in whatever equipment we have.”

Team Owner Charlie Schwerkolt is excited to have IRWIN return to motorsport with Team18 and Winterbottom.

“It’s really great to bring the IRWIN name back into Supercars, it’s such an iconic brand, it was in the sport for many years and it still is around the world in sports like NASCAR,” said Schwerkolt. To bring them back into the sport under the Stanley Black and Decker Group is really exciting.”

To have Mark drive with us in 2019 is really big, he brings a whole range of experience and accolades to Team 18,” Schwerkolt said.

“We’ve got some new engineering and partnerships forming which will take us to a new level in 2019.

“We have more to announce in coming weeks but I can’t wait to reveal the car next year.”

Read more about Mark Winterbottom’s future in the latest issue of Auto Action, both in stores and online 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.