The Castrol Kid is back in the big show, with Thomas Randle returning to the main series of the Supercars Championship this weekend at South Australia’s The Bend Motorsport Park.
It is the first of three wildcard appearances for the 25 year-old Super2 champion, who will race a brilliantly liveried Castrol backed Tickford prepared Ford Mustang.
It’s the culmination of a dream for Thomas, as he strives to book a place on the grid full time in 2022.
“This is a huge weekend for me and a wonderful opportunity to get back on the best grid this country has,” Randle said.
“I feel like I’ve landed Willie Wonka’s golden ticket – and this is my big chance!”
Randle will appear at the Tailem Bend, Darwin and Perth rounds of the championship as Tickford Racing’s fourth entry, before returning for co-driving duties at October’s Bathurst 1000.
“It’s a great opportunity to get in a Mustang and show Tickford what I’m capable of, and that I’m worthy of a full time drive in this sport,” Randle said.
“I’m slightly nervous – but I’m hopeful if I can stick with my teammates, we’re more than capable of snagging a decent result or two.
“Every time you hop in the car, you’re on show – but this is a great chance for an audition.”
In a coup for the Melbourne driver, global motorsport brand Castrol has signed on to back his wildcard appearances.
“I still get a thrill looking at the car – it’s brilliant to have Castrol wanting to support both me and the team – I just hope to do them justice and give them some great results,” Randle said.
“It’s also fantastic to have the continued support from the guys at ACT Fence Hire and Herzog Steel, they supported me in my Super2 Championship winning season last year, so to step up with them in the main game really feels quite special.
“The test we had last month at Winton has given us optimism that we can be there or thereabouts – my teammate Cam Waters was there and gave me a good direction with the car which I’m enormously appreciative of.
“I’m realistic enough to be well aware we’re running against some of the best touring car drivers in the world, so it’s not going to be easy.”
Practice for the OTR SuperSprint at The Bend begins Saturday morning, with the first of the weekend’s three races that afternoon.
All the action is live across the weekend on Fox Sports.
Schedule: (Times in ACST – South Aus)
Practice 1: Sat 8:45 Practice 2: Sat 10:45 Three Part Qualifying: Sat 12:50 Race 9: Sat 16:05 (24 Laps) Qualifying Race 10: Sun 9:10 Qualifying Race 11: Sun 9:30 Race 10: Sun 12:30 (24 Laps) Race 11: Sun 15:40 (24 Laps)