Tickford Racing has signed new multi-year agreements with Cameron Waters and his entry’s title sponsor, Monster Energy.
Waters has driven a Monster Energy-backed Tickford (nee: Prodrive) Ford ever since he became a full-time Virgin Australia Supercars Championship driver in 2016, and will do so for at least two more years.
The 2017 Sandown 500 winner is currently seventh in the Supercars Championship with six podiums this season out of a career total of 10.
“I’m pumped to be sticking with Tickford Racing, and really excited to have Monster Energy back on board with us,” said the 25-year-old, who also won the Dunlop Super2 Series with Tickford in 2015.
“We’ve had a great 2019 so far, and gotten to share some champagne together, so it’s great to have next year sorted this early.
“Obviously we’re off to Bathurst in a few days, and we’ve definitely got the tools to win there.
“There’s no better way to thank Tickford and Monster than to go out and have a crack at that top step, so we’ll certainly gun for that next week.”
Tickford has not specified the length of either contract, only that they apply for “2020 and beyond”.
CEO/team principal Tim Edwards says that represents a step-up in commitment from the Campbellfield outfit.
“Retaining Cam and Monster Energy have been key priorities for us this year, so we’re extremely happy to tick those boxes,” said Edwards.
“We had an option to retain Cam for 2020, but decided to negotiate a new deal to keep him in a Tickford Ford long-term.
“He’s been with us since 2014 and has risen from a pretty raw youngster to the regular podium challenger he is today, and we know he’s a fighting chance wherever we go, so we’re ecstatic to keep him in our camp, and very happy to keep him in a Monster Energy Ford.
“Monster as a brand needs no introduction, and are obviously one of the top brands in the category, so having them on board for what will be their fifth year with us is fantastic.
“Monster stuck with us through a difficult 2018 for the team, and they’re being rewarded with a very strong 2019 for Car 6.”
Tickford managing director Rod Nash added: “Cam is a great team player, not just in himself as a driver, but he contributes to the team well in other areas of the business.
“We really appreciate that in him and are very happy to keep him on board.”
Tim Ryder, Marketing Director of Monster Energy Oceania, said: “We’ve been with Cam since his rookie year in 2016, and we’ve seen him grow into a consistent and legitimate contender, so we’re thrilled to be continuing the partnership.
“Supercars is a great category, it’s fast, loud and adrenalin-packed, so to be with a top team and driver and leverage this as part of our global Monster Energy motorsport platform is really positive.”
While Waters has been signed for future seasons, there is uncertainty over Tickford’s other two own entries.
Chaz Mostert has been strongly linked to a move to Walkinshaw Andretti United and there is no confirmation yet as to Lee Holdsworth’s status past 2019.
Waters, meanwhile, will be partnered by Michael Caruso when the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 gets underway next Thursday.