Waters embracing underdog tag, Davison under more pressure than before

Thursday practice winners Cam Waters and Will Davison have spoken about their two different experiences taking on this weekend’s Bathurst 1000 for Tickford Racing, feeling both ends of the spectrum when it comes to pressure ahead of the Great Race.

Waters steered the car to the top of the timesheets at the end of practice one and three for the day, showing the pace of the #6 car while also going ahead of the key contenders which have been the more popular tips to perform well over the race weekend.

Speaking after the final practice session of the opening day, Waters said he’s relishing in the role of being an underdog and flying under the radar, currently sitting third in the championship after notching up his first solo win at The Bend Motorsport Park last time out.

“I try to fly under the radar as much as I can, for us through the year we just try to find that extra bit of pace to catch the #17 (Scott McLaughlin) and even Triple Eight,” Waters said.

“We’ve been getting there and making those improvements which has been great. It’s been great to roll out this weekend and be fast again, traditionally Tickford go quite well at Bathurst anyway but for me this year was about consistency.

“We try to fly under the radar though I’m not sure if it’s worked or not!”

On the other side of the spectrum, Davison is coming back as a Supercars driver after losing his seat when Phil Munday’s side of the Tickford Racing deal fell over after the Adelaide 500 thanks to the COVID pandemic and feels he’s under an increased amount of pressure compared to previous years.

“I’ve had a few months to get used to it but I probably feel more nervous and that’s got to go with how I am as a person,” Davison said.

“It’s a big responsibility, someone else’s car, someone else’s championship, it’s just about doing my role. I probably felt more nervous today than I have in my own car.

“I have a huge responsibility to do the right thing by Cam, not be a hero and do a professional job.”

Davison will be the first driver out of the two on the road tomorrow, taking to the track in the fourth practice session which will be run for co-drivers only.