Mostert, Waters pay tribute to 'role model' Winterbottom

Chaz Mostert and Cam Waters have paid tribute to former teammate Mark Winterbottom, who ended his full-time Supercars career at the VAILO Adelaide 500.

Winterbottom finished 20th in Sunday's Race 24, which was his final start for Team 18, and final full-time appearance before he transitions into co-driving.

When the 2025 season commences in Sydney next February, Winterbottom won't be on a full-time Supercars grid for the first time since 2003.

The occasion wasn't lost on the paddock, which saluted Winterbottom and fellow retiring driver Tim Slade with a guard of honour before Sunday's race.

Former Tickford Racing teammates Mostert and Waters, who raced alongside Winterbottom at the Ford team between 2016 and 2018, hailed the 43-year-old's contribution to their careers.

"A massive congratulations to both @markjwinterbottom and @_timslade_ on such great careers, both ripper guys and legends of the sport. You’ll be sorely missed from the grid next year," Waters posted to social media. "I was fortunate enough to work with Frosty in my early @tickfordracing days, he was such a great role model and really helped me in my transition from DVS to main game. All the best legends."

In an ironic twist, Winterbottom was penalised after sending Slade into a spin early in Sunday's race.

All told, Winterbottom and Slade combined for 1096 starts, 41 wins, 38 pole positions and 137 podiums.

A 23-year-old Mostert fought for the 2015 title with Winterbottom before his season was cut short in a horrific Bathurst qualifying crash. Winterbottom went on to win the title, Tickford's only championship in Supercars.

"Feels like yesterday that I entered the category and was an annoying young rookie in the garage next to Frosty, as I’ve said before, time flies when you’re having fun," Mostert posted.

"Congrats @markjwinterbottom on an epic full time career, you’re a great ambassador and role model in the paddock, all the best with what’s next."