Dalton Supercars wildcard revealed
The first Supercar Lochie Dalton will race on the big stage has been revealed and Tickford will bring back the famous #5.
Dalton will make his Supercars debut in a Tickford wildcard at the Sydney SuperNight this weekend.
After racing in Super2 for BJR and Trans Am for GRM last year, the Launceston product joined Tickford and has been rewarded with a rare wildcard opportunity.
In Super2 this year Dalton has been a consistent figure with four top 10 finishes pushing him to sixth in the standings at the halfway mark.
With the addition of Dalton, the 25-car grid incites drivers from every state and territory in Australia which is believed to be a first for a solo race in the 64-year history of Supercars/ATCC. The last instance was the 2001 Bathurst 1000.
The wildcard also brings back the #5 which used to be Tickford’s flagship number since it started in 2003, but was not included on the grid this year for just the second time since alongside 2016 when Mark Winterbottom ran the #1 as reigning champion.
Dalton has been steadily working his way up the ranks in recent years and can’t wait to go racing in his blue and white Tickford Mustang.
“I’m really grateful to have all my partners come across from Super2 to back me in my debut Supercars race,” Dalton said.
“It can’t be understated how important they are in allowing drivers to step up to the main game and provide opportunities for myself and other young drivers.
“Sydney is like a home track to me; I’ve done more laps there than anywhere else, so I’m feeling comfortable heading into the weekend.”
Tickford CEO Simon Brookhouse is delighted to see a Tickford youngster get an opportunity in the main game.
“I’m thrilled to see one of our Autosport drivers make their debut in Supercars,” he said.
“This milestone highlights the effectiveness of our development program and the hard work put in by everyone involved.
“We have full confidence in Lochie’s abilities and are excited to see him compete at this level. We know he will do us proud”
Dalton is the second wildcard of the year after Cooper Murray drove a Triple Eight Camaro in Darwin.
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