Tickford signs Best for Super2 return, Bathurst co-drive

An impressive 2021 has landed Zak Best a Super2 and Bathurst 1000 return with Tickford Racing.

Young Victorian racer Best finished second overall in last year’s Dunlop Super2 Series.

The Benalla talent won a race in Townsville and only missed out on the title to Broc Feeney.

He also made his Great Race debut alongside Jack Le Brocq, and was the only Bathurst debutant last year.

"I’m pumped to be back with Tickford Racing this year," the 20-year-old said.

"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.

Best won in Townsville last July

"And 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.

"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.”

He finished in the top four in eight of nine Super2 races last year.

Tickford previously won Super2 titles in 2015 and 2016 for Cam Waters and Garry Jacobson respectively.

Both Waters and Jacobson are now full-time Supercars mainstays.

Best is the first co-driver confirmed for Tickford's four-car assault on Mount Panorama in October.

Best led the Super2 standings last year

"Zak was incredibly impressive last year, so we’re very happy to be continuing with him in our program this season," Tickford boss Tim 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.

"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.

"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.”

Best’s second Super2 campaign with Tickford will commence at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight in March.