Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom

A legendary figure in Australian motorsport, Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom has carved his name into the history books as one of the most successful and beloved drivers in the Supercars Championship.

Renowned for his skill, resilience, and sportsmanship, Mark claimed the coveted Supercars Championship title in 2015 and secured victory at the Bathurst 1000 in 2013.

A fan favourite throughout his career, Mark is ranked among the most popular drivers in Supercars history by both his peers and racing fans.

With an incredible 21-year full-time career, Mark is celebrated for his exceptional skill behind the wheel and his down-to-earth personality, which has captivated fans and sponsors both on and off the track. Having recently retired from full-time racing, Mark continues to leave his mark on the sport as a Supercars Co-driver and driver mentor with Tickford Racing.

Mark’s rise to motorsport stardom began in his childhood when he first competed as a talented soccer player before fate intervened. He won a raffle for a dirt bike, igniting a lifelong passion for racing. His rapid progression through the motorsport ranks saw him dominate the karting scene, earning 10 Australian Kart Championship titles and 25 State Kart Championships. His international breakthrough came in 1999 at the prestigious All-Champions meeting in Suzuka, Japan, where he raced against Seven-time Formula One Champion Lewis Hamilton.

In 2001, Mark’s undeniable talent caught the attention of Ford Australia, leading to his entry into the Victorian Formula Ford Championship, where he finished as runner-up despite missing a round. This success paved the way for greater opportunities, including the Kart Stars Scholarship Award and a competitive run in the 2002 Australian Formula Ford Championship.

Mark made his V8 Supercar debut in 2004 and quickly became one of the series’ standout drivers. By 2006, he joined Ford Performance Racing (FPR), where he spent 13 successful years before making a bold switch to Holden for another six years. Over his remarkable career, Mark accumulated 39 race wins, 120 podiums, 36 pole positions, and 643 races. His consistency and determination were unmatched, securing a top-six finish in the Supercars Championship for 11 consecutive seasons.

Mark also made history as the first Australian athlete to feature in a Disney/Pixar film, voicing the character ‘Frosty’ in Cars 2 (2011). His role in the animated hit film cemented Australian history and expanded his appeal beyond the motorsport community.

In October 2024, Mark Winterbottom officially announced his retirement from full-time V8 Supercars Racing, bringing an incredible chapter of his career to a close. Reflecting on his journey, it’s clear that his impact on the sport extends far beyond race wins and podiums. His story is one of grit, perseverance, and an unwavering drive to succeed, inspiring the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts and people in general to chase their dreams, riding the roller coaster along the way.

Mark’s motorsport legacy is far from over. In 2025, he rejoins Tickford Racing, not just as a co-driver, but as a mentor to six young drivers, guiding the next wave of Supercars talent with his wealth of experience and knowledge.

Off the track, Winterbottom remains a confident and engaging speaker, known for his ability to connect with audiences through his inspiring story, of how a boy from Western Sydney defied the odds to become one of Australia’s greatest racing drivers. Despite never having the financial backing many of his competitors enjoyed, he proved that passion, dedication, and sheer determination can overcome any obstacle.

His influence in Australian motorsport will endure for years to come, ensuring that Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom’s name will forever be associated with excellence, resilience, and the true spirit of motorsport.