Sport
Benalla’s Best claims second in Super2 series finale, retained by Tickford for season 2023
Zak Best has wrapped up his Super2 campaign as runner-up for the second straight season following the series conclusion in Adelaide at the weekend.
After setting the pace in the first practice session at the Adelaide 500, Best started from P3 for the first race and P2 for his second, behind pole-sitter and series leader Declan Fraser in both races.
Fraser extended his lead on Best to 105 points after securing victory in race one, while Best finished fourth.
The Triple Eight Race Engineering driver then swept the round with a first-placed finish in race two, while Best cruised home in third.
It ensured the Benalla speedster finished runner-up on the series leaderboard and completed what was another big year for the young driver.
“We knew it was a long shot for us to win the championship today, but we definitely threw everything at it,” Best said of the final race.
“Unfortunately we didn’t have the pace to get up to the front and we ended up third in the race and the round, it’s not bad, but obviously short of our goals, which is disappointing.
“I’m frustrated to come second again, but really appreciate the hard work the team has put in this year to get us there, it’s been a great ride and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way.”
His efforts this season were recognised by his team, Tickford Racing, after it announced last week it would retain its young prodigy for the 2023 season, but he would not be a part of its Super2 program.
“Zak has done a tremendous job in Super2 these last two seasons,” Tickford team principal Tim Edwards said.
“His progression on and off the track has been exceptional and he has become an excellent example of what our development program is about.
“Zak will still be racing with us in 2023 — and we will announce those plans in due course — but we will focus our Super2 efforts on developing Elly and Brad from 2023.”
Newcomers Elly Morrow and Brad Vaughan were announced as Tickford’s two-car Super2 team next season, while Best’s position, and where he will race next year, is yet to be announced.