TICKFORD Racing figureheads have expressed delight at seeing Rylan Gray land a 2026 Repco Supercars Championship seat at Dick Johnson Racing.
Gray has been in the Tickford pipeline for 24-plus months, but despite surging to the top of the Super2 standings, the 18-year-old found his pathway blocked amid fresh medium-term contract extensions for Cam Waters and Thomas Randle.
He has now secured his future elsewhere, signing to replace Will Davison at DJR starting next season.
“Everyone at Tickford Racing is very supportive and excited to see Rylan be offered this fantastic opportunity for next year,” said Tickford CEO Simon Brookhouse.
“Rylan’s achievements with the team have been nothing short of spectacular. Over the time he has been at Tickford Racing, we wanted to provide the best opportunities for him as a driver so he could continue to succeed.
“Competing in both Super2 and the enduros this year was a massive challenge, but we believe in his talent and couldn’t fault what he was able to do in the Gen3 Mustang.
“At Tickford, we want to provide young drivers the opportunity to gain experience at the highest level. Rylan has shown great potential over the three years with the team and to be rewarded with a full-time drive in 2026 is well deserved.”
Managing director Rod Nash added: “I commend Rylan for his commitment and success within the Tickford Autosport program.
Rod Nash and Simon Brookhouse. Pic: Ross Gibb
“The development of his race craft over the journey with the team has been special to watch and he is truly deserving of this opportunity.
“It’s also a credit to the Autosport team personnel within the business that successfully runs its development program.
“They continue to strongly develop drivers within the Dunlop Series and wildcard structure for that potential leap into the main game of Supercars.”
Gray made his Bathurst 1000 debut earlier this month in a wildcard alongside Lochie Dalton.
Dalton is Gray’s nearest rival in the Super2 title fight, which will conclude next month in Adelaide.