Tickford confirms 23Red Racing's merger

Tickford Racing has confirmed a merger with Milwaukee Racing, which will see the singles company operate in the Campbellfield stable next year.

As previously reported in October, the arrangement calls for Phil Munday to transfer his one-car crew from his Kilsyth base to Tickford's operation to effectively occupy fourth-place car parking.

Tickford chose to award a rights contract to Supercars for the transition, which will also allow Will Davison to return to the Ford team after leaving the team in 2013.

He will lead alongside Chaz Mostert, Cameron Waters and a third driver to be confirmed.

"We are delighted that 23Red Milwaukee Racing is joining Tickford Racing starting in 2019," said Rod Nash, co-owner of Tickford.

"We have built a strong relationship with them over the past year and we look forward to continuing to build on this by bringing our teams together.

"Phil brings a lot of energy to the team. He and I have known each other for over 20 years and he has been a big supporter of RNR (Rod Nash Racing) entry over the years.

"We believe that his involvement will help us find the success we are used to and we look forward to doing it together."

The move comes just a year after the creation of 23Red Racing from the ashes of Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, when businessman Munday bought the REC and a majority stake in the minnow team, before becoming its true owner .

Under the banner of Milwaukee Racing, which will continue next year, the team had a great first year. Davison sometimes outperformed Tickford to finish 15th in the championship.

Munday said his staff would follow him up to Tickford, while his Kilsyth workshop would remain functional, his only goal being to produce composites for the new Mustang, which will debut next year.

"As the new owner of the team, I embarked on this sport with the goal of continuously improving and establishing 23Red Racing in the series," said Munday.

"But because it's a one-car team, it's extremely difficult to get the best results. With that in mind, I decided to partner with Tickford Racing as a customer so that we could continue to grow and achieve greater success.

"Milwaukee and 23Red Racing will continue to function as their own entity," he continued.

"By partnering with Tickford, we are able to ensure the success and sustainability of the brand in 2019 and beyond. We look forward to our new partnership with Tickford Racing and next year's Ford Mustang. "

Munday thinks that single car teams will soon be a thing of the past, as privateers form an alliance with a larger player to succeed.

Team 18 and Matt Stone Racing are the last teams to sign technical contracts after recently entering into agreements with Triple Eight.

"Absolutely (individual car teas have to be aligned with bigger outfits)," added Munday.

"I think that there will be more teams doing what I do, I think in the next two years, if not next year, they think it's an excellent way to advance and benefit from the collective that is in this team. (That's) very hard for you, it's really hard.

The Davison Mustang is expected to be No. 23 instead of No. 230 next year, with the former number being dropped by Nissan Motorsport / Kelly Racing.