Winterbottom focused on finish, not future
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 25 October 2024
As the final two rounds of more than two decades in the main game approach, Mark Winterbottom is focused on ending on a high rather than 2025 and beyond.
After losing his Team 18 seat to Anton De Pasquale and being unable to find another full-time opportunity, Winterbottom will not be on the grid at the 2025 Sydney 500 in what would be a 22-year first.
Whilst the 2015 Supercars champion and 2013 Bathurst 1000 winner admitted it has been tough to step back, he said there will be “no tears” as he tries to add to his tally of 39 wins and 120 podiums.
“It has been so emotional just to let go of it,” Winterbottom said.
“As a young boy all I wanted to do was race Supercars so to do it for 21 years has been great.
“To achieve some of the things that we have has been great as well.
“But this year will be the last year. I wanted to get it out so I could enjoy the last two rounds and see all the great fans and sponsors who supported me throughout my career to say goodbye on my terms and the way I wanted it to be done.
“I will enjoy these last two rounds, but there will be no tears because I want to try and get a good result.
“I want to go out in style. I would love to get a podium. I am still focused on understeer, oversteer and kerb compliance and full steam ahead on that.
“I will then worry about all the retirement stuff after that.”
As Winterbottom transitions from full-time to part-time, he will undoubtedly become a highly sought after co-driver with what would be post Adelaide the second most Supercars/ATCC starts of all time under his belt.
“Frosty” revealed he will be on the grid at The Bend and Bathurst, but yet to land exactly where.
“I am just trying to enjoy the moment and have fun with the last couple before working out what I will do next year,” he said.
“I will co drive for sure and will be on the grid for the two big ones. I will try and be in a team that I can win with, having a good crack at winning Bathurst.
“It is all about opportunity. For me Bathurst was so hard to be lapped on lap speed.
“I have not done anything yet, but there are options and we will weigh it up.”
Having achieved all of his wins at FPR/Prodrive/Tickford, many would love to see Winterbottom return to the “Blue Oval” but would not be pressed on if he was chasing such a “fairytale.”
“I am not sure and honestly at the moment the disconnect from this is like letting go of something you love so much,” he said.
“There were so many great supporters who did something they never thought of jumping from Ford to Holden/Chevrolet just because they believed in me.
“Sometimes fairytales get written and we will see what happens, but I am a very loyal person and we will see.”
Winterbottom was also pressed on a full-time return in 2026 following in the footsteps of Will Davison, Lee Holdsworth, Andre Heimgartner and Richie Stanaway in recent years, but stated that was unlikely.
“If there is a good option I would consider it but you don’t see too many people like Will Davison or Lee Holdsworth who did it,” he said.
“This takes so much of your life this sport emotionally and physically and it is rare to see someone step out and then come back, but in a good car at the enduros is the best audition.
“The guys go there who were written off and win the biggest race and suddenly they are back in the frame.
“You never say never but at the moment it is not really on the cards.
“The biggest thing is the family also sacrifices so much and after 21 years I should take a step back for a bit.”
Image: Mark Horsburgh
2024 Gold Coast 500
Practice 1 Friday 13.30-14.10
Practice 2 Friday 16.35-17.15
Qualifying Saturday 12.00-12.15
Top 10 Shootout Saturday 13.35-14.05
Race 21 (85 laps) Saturday 16.15
Qualifying Sunday 10.10-10.25
Top 10 Shootout Sunday 12.35-13.05
Race 22 (85 laps) Sunday 15.15
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