BEST RE-SIGNS WITH TICKFORD

Twenty-year-old Zak Best has signed to remain with Tickford Racing in the second-tier Super2 Series as well and race for the team in the Bathurst 1000 for the second straight year.

Teamed up with Jack Le Brocq in his 1000 debut, Best finished on the lead lap in 15th position.

The Benalla man impressed with the team in 2021 finishing second in the Super2 Series to Triple Eight Race Engineering driver Broc Feeney, recording a win, a pole position and multiple other podium finishes.

In 2022 he hopes to go one better and deliver Tickford Racing its third second-tier title.

“I’m pumped to be back with Tickford Racing this year,” said Best. “We had a strong 2021, coming second in Super2, and I feel like we can definitely make a run at the title this year, so I’m looking forward to having another shot at it.”

After getting a late call up to make his Bathurst 1000 debut last year when Alex Premat could not make the trip, Best is excited to make his return in 2022, with who remains to be seen.

“To have the chance to race in the Bathurst 1000 is really exciting, obviously I got to race in it last year but it came together fairly quickly, so having that signed off early in the year is pretty cool,” he continued.

“I think I’ve gelled really well with the team here, and obviously we’ve had some good results so it’s very rewarding to have the opportunity. I can’t wait to hit the track and make the most of it for a big 2022.”

Best was a mark of consistency in the Super2 Series last year, finishing in the top five in all but one race.

However Tickford Team Principal revealed that it was his drive at the Bathurst 1000 that has given him the opportunity to race for the team again in 2022.

“Zak was incredibly impressive last year, so we’re very happy to be continuing with him in our program this season,” Edwards said.

“His progression across 2021 was fantastic, and of course his performance at Bathurst was outstanding, especially given that he got the call only six weeks before the race.

“Statistically he drove one of the best races among the co-drivers, which is remarkable considering he was the only driver making his Bathurst debut.

“He certainly showed that he’s a driver on the rise, so we’re delighted to be continuing with Zak in 2022.”

Tickford has a great history in the Super2 Series winning the title back-to-back in 2015 with Cam Waters and 2016 with Garry Jacobson.

Other drivers to race for the team in Super2 includes Chaz Mostert, Le Brocq and Broc Feeney.

“We’re always looking for the next generation of talent, whether it’s a Cam Waters, a Chaz Mostert, a Thomas Randle, et cetera, and Zak’s certainly placed himself on that trajectory,” Edwards added.

“He’s continually proving his ability and raising his potential, so we’ll look to continue developing him across this year, and with any luck we’ll continue to achieve some great results on the track.”

Like Supercars, the Super2 Series kicks off its 2022 season at the Sydney SuperNight from March 4-6 at Sydney Motorsport Park.

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