WHY TICKFORD IS BACK TO THREE CARS

Why Tickford is back to three cars – Image: InSyde Media

Tickford Racing’s bid to secure a fourth entry for next year has failed.

By MARK FOGARTY

In fact, it was dead before it started.

Tickford will have to cut back to three Mustangs for Cam Waters, Jack Le Brocq and James Courtney.

It’s no surprise, but it’s worth putting on the record as there was much conjecture late last year about Tickford’s 2021 line-up.

And there’s more to the story than just an attempt to replace a lost entry.

It was all about timing.

AUTO ACTION has learned that the Ford team’s pitch to buy back or lease one of the two Racing Entitlement Contracts held in reserve by Supercars was ruled out because it wasn’t legal.

The other teams had been asked to vote on whether to allow Tickford to lease an unused REC to be able to continue with four cars.

But the issue was determined to be moot because Tickford’s application was after November’s deadline for entries for 2021.

The rules clearly state RECs can’t be negotiated after the close of entries.

The former Ford factory squad, based at Campbellfield in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, needed a new REC to replace Phil Munday’s entry, which was sold to BJR.

The transfer filled the gap at BJR left by the Blanchard family’s removal of their REC to run their own team.

Tickford relinquished a REC to Supercars at the end of 2018 and wanted to lease it back to continue fielding four cars in 2021.

But as its bid was lodged after entries for next year closed, it was ruled unallowable.

In any event, the other teams were opposed to Tickford buying back its REC for a 25th entry because it would dilute their share of Supercars’ annual profit.

Within the REC rules, even a lease deal had to be applied for before entries closed.

The rejection sidelines Super2 champion Thomas Randle, backed by Tickford co-owner Rusty French, and incumbent Lee Holdsworth.

Randle is looking at wild card outings in addition to his confirmed Bathurst 1000 co-drive, while Holdsworth – who had a full-time contract for 2021 – is negotiating a settlement and/or a Bathurst deal.

As well as a Bathurst co-drive, Holdsworth is trying to organise a regular TCR drive.

He has a strong connection with GRM, his first Supercars team which now runs a fleet of TCR Renaults and Alfa Romeos.

GRM co-chief Barry Rogers is now the majority shareholder of ARG, which runs TCR in Australia and NZ.

Meanwhile, back at Tickford, Holdsworth’s Truck Assist backing will revert to Le Brocq because of Supercheap Auto’s departure.

Monster Energy continues with Waters and Boost Mobile stays with Courtney.

Where Supercheap goes – if anywhere – is uncertain.

Tickford Racing is building two new Mustangs for the upcoming season.

For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.