Tim Edwards to exit Tickford Racing

After a tenure with Tickford Racing lasting almost 20 years, Tim Edwards will leave the Ford team at the end of this year’s Supercars season. In a team statement released on 21 September, Edwards didn’t explain his reasons for leaving Tickford, other than to stay he believes it’s the right time for him, his family and the team.

Co-owner and Managing Director of Tickford Racing, Rod Nash, provided a little more insight, stating “a new era of leadership for the road ahead” was required, as part of a broader adjustment of the business that began 12 months ago. That adjustment will include the team downsizing from four cars to two next year in an effort to recapture the major success that has eluded them for most of the past decade. Tickford Racing last won the Bathurst 1000 in 2013 and 2014 (as Ford Performance Racing), while the team’s last drivers’ champion (as Prodrive Racing Australia) was Mark Winterbottom in 2015.

While acknowledging the time was right for Edwards’s departure, Nash praised the long-serving CEO for the strong infrastructure he has established, as well as his leadership.

“[Tim’s] contribution to not only the team’s development, but to the wider Supercars network cannot be underestimated,” Nash said. “Time has always played an active role on a number of boards and committees and is well respected in the paddock.”

Edwards joined Ford Performance Racing in 2005 after 13 years holding various roles within the Jordan Formula 1 team.

“It has been an incredible journey to lead this team and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” Edwards said.

“I am grateful for the unwavering support of Rod and Sven [Burchartz], our dedicated team, drivers, loyal sponsors and partners, and our passionate fans and members.”

Edwards added that his short-term future will involve travelling and spending time with family and friends before focussing on what’s coming next, suggesting he has no role with a rival Supercars team already lined up.

Whether Edwards will also relinquish his role as a Commissioner with the Supercars Championship when he leaves Tickford Racing was unconfirmed at time of writing.