Waters has been one of two key figures in what is proving to be a fascinating Supercars silly season, the other being NASCAR-bound Shane van Gisbergen.
For Waters there have been various links to a move away from Tickford, the most aggressive poaching effort believed to have come from Walkinshaw Andretti United.
Given the growing possibility of van Gisbergen moving to the United States next season, Waters may have a chance to join Triple Eight drive.
Tickford boss Edwards has been adamant for some time that he has an option on Waters for next season, although Waters himself said after the Tasmanian round in May that talks regarding 2024 were yet to start.
During the weekend in Townsville, Edwards reaffirmed his belief that Waters will remain, despite the rumors of van Gisbergen’s departure.
“I am maintaining my stance on my previous statement; I have secured the rights to all my drivers for the upcoming year,” he informed Motorsport.com.
Based on current indications, it seems likely that Edwards will continue to work with his current team, as there is a strong possibility that Waters will renew his contract with the Ford squad for another year.
Waters is one of several drivers who are exploring opportunities in the United States for their future. He has signed a one-year contract with Tickford, which allows him to have more flexibility in the short term if any other offers come his way.
The future structure of Tickford for the upcoming season is uncertain, as the team is currently assessing its four-car model.
It is possible to reduce the number of cars to two, which would probably result in Waters joining one of the current three drivers: Thomas Randle, James Courtney, or Declan Fraser.
The team is also in partnership with Zak Best, a leading contender in Super2, and they have also enlisted the highly talented Brad Vaughan to compete in the second-tier category.
If Waters remains at Tickford for the remainder of the silly season, it would create an available seat at Triple Eight if van Gisbergen does indeed leave Supercars as anticipated.
Among the contenders could be enduro driver Richie Stanaway who has flagged interest in a full-time return to Supercars for the right opportunity.
Brodie Kostecki, who is under contract at Erebus for next season, is another driver who has been open about his NASCAR ambitions, with speculation rife that he’ll be on the Cup Series grid for the Indianapolis road course race next month.
Ryan Wood, the driver for WAU foundation, remains a prominent figure in the ongoing speculation surrounding driver lineups for the upcoming season. However, it appears that the possibility of a Waters/WAU combination is now less likely.
If a promotion to the main game at Clayton doesn’t happen, the young Kiwi who is currently racing for WAU in Super2 might consider joining Team 18.
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