Mark Winterbottom confirmed for Charlie Schwerkolt Racing

Mark Winterbottom has been confirmed to join Charlie Schwerkolt Racing for the 2019 Supercars championship after 13 years with Ford team Tickford Racing.

“I’m really excited, it was a big call to go to Team 18 but now I’ve met the team and Sponsors and seen what’s coming it’s really exciting,” said Winterbottom.

“I think it’s going to be a good year and when it all comes out about the staff and sponsor everyone will understand why I’ve made the move and it’ll make more sense.”

Winterbottom joined Tickfod Racing, then named Ford Performance Racing, in 2006, finishing third in his first season for the team. The highlight came in 2015 when he claimed the title.

“To have Mark drive with us in 2019 is really big, he brings a whole range of experience and accolades to Team 18,” said team owner Charlie Schwerkolt.

“We’ve got some new engineering and partnerships forming which will take us to a new level in 2019. We have more to announce in coming weeks but I can’t wait to reveal the car next year.”

This will mark the first time Winterbottom has driven a Holden Commodore but the switch of make is not something that concerns the 2015 champion.

“I haven’t thought about the badge to be honest,” said Winterbottom.

“I’ve looked at the opportunity not the brand of car and haven’t quite come to terms with that at the moment but from the inside they all look the same and I think the opportunity that Charlie and Team 18 offered was too good to turn down. The Holden will be different but at the same time if we are winning races I’ll be happy to do it in whatever equipment we have.”