Tickford signs young gun Randle

The reigning Toyota Racing Series winner and former Aussie Formula Ford champion returns to regular Australian competition after a stint in Europe that included outings in BRDC British F3, Formula Renault 3.5, and Formula Renault Eurocup. 

He’s set for a full season in Super2 with title-winning squad Tickford, which is partly owned by one of his backers Rusty French.

“First of all it’s great to be back in Australia,” said Randle.

“I’ve had an amazing time in Europe the last two years, and I’d like to firstly thank all my supporters there, and Rusty French for his continued support as I return to Australia.

“To be part of Tickford Racing is pretty special, and to begin this new chapter of my career in this way feels pretty remarkable.

“I’m really looking forward to getting into it.

“The fact that I’ve been lucky to drive so many cars, I think that experience will really help me learn this car. All the different tyre compounds I’ve been on, the different dynamics of all the cars – prototypes, tin tops, single seaters – you can take different things from different cars.

"I’ve heard the Dunlop Super2 tyre is a very tricky tyre to master, and when we get into testing we’ll find out.

"I’m sure all the experience I’ve had isn’t going to hurt, and all the racing and race craft I’ve learned over the years will help me too.”

According to Tickford boss Tim Edwards, 21-year-old Randle has the potential to be the next young talent to flourish under the team's guidance.

“Thomas is a young man we’ve had our eye on for a while, so to have him in our camp is exciting news,” said Edwards.

“We’ve seen what he’s capable of both in this part of the world and abroad, and at his age we can develop him in our programme and build him into an even more well-rounded driver.

"The aim is to help him sustain a long, successful career with Tickford Racing, and the Super2 category will provide a good challenge for him to start with.

"He’s a strong talent with room to grow, and we’re looking forward to helping him achieve that growth.”

Randle will be the team's sole Super2 pilot this season, meaning that Josh Kean and 2016 Super2 champ Garry Jacobson will both depart.

“We’d like to thank Garry for his time and contributions to our programme the past two seasons,” Edwards added.

“He always gave us tremendous effort and focus, and it showed on the track, most notably in his Super2 championship in 2016.

"We determined it was best for both his young career and our future prospects to part ways at this time, but he has a bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing him at the track.”

Jacobson's departure also means the team has an enduro spot up for grabs. Steve Owen, Dean Canto, and James Moffat are already locked in, although it's not been determined which co-driver will partner which primary driver at the long-distance races.