Winterbottom makes emotional call

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 24 October 2024

After 21 years at the top, the final two rounds of the 2024 Supercars season will be the last for Mark Winterbottom as a full-time driver.

On the eve of what will be his penultimate round on the Gold Coast, Winterbottom confirmed the news in a heartfelt video announcement.

The 2015 Supercars champion has been an ever-present on the grid ever since his first full season with Larkham Motorsport in 2004 after debuting in the enduros with SBR the season prior.

But it was with Ford Performance Racing where “Frosty” became one of the sport’s biggest stars of the 21st century.

Winterbottom burst onto the scene in 2006, rising from 29th in 2005 to third in the championship with his first win coming in the Sandown 500 alongside Jason Bright, while his win in the Phillip Island finale was a sign of things to come.

Mark Winterbottom on track at the 2024 Bathurst 1000. Image: Peter Norton

The #5 FPR Falcon was often the leading challenger to Jamie Whincup and after 10 straight seasons in the top five, Winterbottom finally had his crowning moment in 2015, dominating the title race in the new FG X Falcon.

The other unforgettable highlight was Winterbottom winning the 2013 Bathurst 1000 with Steven Richards after the iconic “hold your breath Australia” battle with Whincup at Griffins Bend.

In 2019 “Frosty” made the big manufacturer switch to Team 18 where he took a breakthrough win at Darwin last year.

After two second place finishes, the #18 currently sits 15th in the championship.

But with 39 wins and 120 podiums, Winterbottom’s full-time career will come to an end this year after Team 18 preferred Anton De Pasquale for 2025.

Mark Winterbottom holds off Craig Lowndes at Hidden Valley in an outstanding FPR debut in 2006. Image: LAT

Fittingly in his 645th race and last on the full-time grid at Adelaide, Winterbottom will surpass Garth Tander for the second most Supercars/ATCC race starts.

“After 21 years in the driver’s seat, I won’t be driving full time in 2025,” he said.

“The past two months have been a difficult time, racing has been a huge part of my life for so long.

“It doesn’t make it easy when you still have the fire in your belly and that red mist in your eyes.

“What a journey it has been and I have always said we have had some of the best drivers in the world and I will always cherish the many battles with rivals, who pushed me to be better and the friendships and bonds formed.

“To all the teams and staff who gave their time and passion to ensure I was in safe and competitive cars I cannot thank you enough.

Mark Winterbottom celebrates his 2015 Supercars title with the team and family. Image: Peter Norton

“I am going to miss the cockpit and seeing all my wonderful fans, supporters and sponsors.

“Thank you for your loyalty and belief in me. You always had my back and it drove me to greatness.

“To my beautiful family, a big thank you for all the sacrifices over the years and we created this career together.”

As he prepares to say goodbye, Winterbottom has a message for the youngsters looking to emulate his feats.

“For the young talent coming through, it is everything you ever dream of and more,” the 43-year-old said.

“Driving a Supercar is a privilege and when I received the call that I had a full-time seat back in 2003, packed my bags, said goodbye to mum and dad in Sydney and the journey began and Supercars quickly became my life.

Mark Winterbottom’s and Steven Richards’ 2013 Bathurst success will go down in FPR history. Image: Mark Horsburgh

“When I first drove the car I thought it had way too much horsepower and not enough grip, so I was nervous that I would not get my head around these cars.

“That fear turned into self belief because I became wiser with experience and as the years went on they sure did fly by.

“Some words of wisdom from me. Surround yourself with good people, who bring the best out of you and don’t let them tell you you can’t when you know you can.”

Whilst the future is currently unclear, Winterbottom hinted the Adelaide season finale will not be the last sighting of “Frosty” in Supercars.

Mark Winterbottom with his family after his last podium at Darwin. Image: Mark Horsburgh

“I do believe things happen for a reason and it is true when one door closes, another door opens,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone who has come on this journey with me and while the timing sheets are going to look different without my long surname, my passion for racing will always live on.

“While I will no longer be on the grid full time, I do plan to continue to give back to the sport that I love and the amazing people that surround it with another announcement coming very shortly.”

Winterbottom will begin his farewell at the Gold Coast 500 this weekend, an event he has won twice in 2009 and 2011.

Main image: Mark Horsburgh

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