The long-term team boss of Ford's leading Supercars squad will leave the team just days after an expletive-filled denial.
Tickford Racing on Thursday confirmed Tim Edwards would depart the squad, which he has been a part of since his return to Australia in 2005 following a stint with the Jordan F1 team.
Edwards has been linked to the chief executive role at Motorsport Australia, which will be vacated when Eugene Arocca retires at the end of the year after more than a decade in the job.
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But Edwards only on Saturday said the rumours were nothing more than "Chinese whispers" before going on an expletive-filled tirade.
"Someone suggested about two weeks ago, 'You'd be good at the Motorsport Australia job'," he told Speedcafe.
"By the time it's f—ing arrived back in this pit lane, f—ing you peanuts think I've got the f—ing job there."
The rumours also suggested Edwards was keen to start his own GT racing team, which was given an equally-sweary response.
"Seriously, do not write it. I am not f—ing going to run a GT team. I don't know who the f— started all this f—ing bollocks.
"F—ing GT team? What the f—? I went to Suzuka for Tickford, about a month ago, because we're looking at whether we should have an involvement in SRO Asian GT … "
Edwards then said he would still be at the helm of Tickford next year.
But only five days later, on Thursday, the team confirmed Edwards was indeed on his way out.
"It has been an incredible journey to lead this team and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together," Edwards said in a much calmer statement.
"I am grateful for the unwavering support of (team owners) Rod (Nash) and Sven (Burchartz), our dedicated team, drivers, loyal sponsors and partners, and our passionate fans and members.
"The decision to step down was not made lightly, but I believe it's the right time for both my family and the team as we look toward the future."
Addressing the Motorsport Australia and GT speculation, Edwards said his short-term plan was "simple".
"I want to take some time out to explore this great country, enjoy some time with my friends and family, clear my head and focus on what is next."
Edwards' departure is the latest in a series of changes at the Melbourne-based team, which will downsize from four cars to two for the 2024 season.
The team is yet to win a race in the 2023 season as a parity war rages between the Ford and Chevrolet camps following the introduction of the Gen3 car for this season.
Of the 23 races run so far this season, 22 have been won by Camaro drivers, and even the one race won by a Mustang – to Dick Johnson Racing gun Anton de Pasquale on the Sunday in Townsville – was largely due to a significant tyre advantage brought about by de Pasquale's early exit from the Saturday race.
Edwards' Tickford team endured a difficult run during the Sandown 500 on Sunday.
Its leading car of Cam Waters and James Moffat was taken out of contention after the rear wing was clipped by a loose wheel off that had come off the Mustang of David Reynolds and Garth Tander.
The four cars finished 12th, 13th, 20th and 25th.
Supercars' next race meeting will be the flagship Bathurst 1000 on the weekend of October 5-8.
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