The 63rd Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 takes place this weekend with the drivers itching to tackle the iconic Bathurst circuit in a bid to claim the prestigious King of the Mountain title.
At last year’s Bathurst 1000, there were 26 crews in total with two wildcard entries entered. IndyCar Series duo James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi ran with Walkinshaw Andretti United, while Brodie and Jake Kostecki got their first taste of the big time in the Kostecki Brothers Racing Holden Commodore.
When it came to qualifying, weather severely affected Saturday’s session with the rain piling down and slowing down the field, but it was McLaughlin who continued his fine form in the Championship on the way to second title, securing the fastest time ahead of Chaz Mostert and Shane van Gisbergen.
The Kiwi was determined to claim a maiden title after coming close in previous years and he put himself in a strong position after securing pole position with a record breaking lap in the shootout, while Mostert converted his second place in qualifying to a front row start in the great race.
When the race finally got underway, McLaughlin got the jump on Mostert, as did Michael Caruso in the Monster Energy #6 Ford Mustang, who slotted in nicely behind the leader, but the race didn’t even last a lap before the first safety car was deployed, courtesy of Tim Slade hitting the wall on the way up the mountain.
Photos: Revved Photography
More than 120 laps later, both Mostert and the Monster Energy #6 Ford Mustang would be involved with each other again, only this time, it was Cameron Waters behind the wheel and for the fourth consecutive year, the duo collided, and both retired from the race.
Other cars who failed to finish included Todd Hazelwood and Jack Smith on lap 98, Anton De Pasquale and Brown on lap 125 and the Kelly Racing Nissan Altima of Andre Heimgartner and Bryce Fullwood just four laps from the finish.
It was also a tough end to a tough day for the Kosteckis as they retired on lap 111 after an incident pre-race where Brodie had issues with his helmet fan.
As for McLaughlin and teammate Alexander Premat, they essentially led for a majority of the race and claimed the victory over van Gisbergen and Garth Tander by just seventh tenths in what became an intense race to the flag.
It was van Gisbergen’s Triple Eight teammates in Jamie Whincup and co-driver Craig Lowndes who offered the biggest challenge with the duo having been the last ones to hold lead before a late pit stop put them back down the order.
Rounding out the podium was a surprise packet in James Courtney and Jack Perkins after the Walkinshaw Andretti United duo moved up to third with 10 laps to go.
What Scott Said:
“I can't believe I won the bloody Bathurst 1000. I have dreamt about this. I put so much pressure on myself to make this a good one but I am so proud of this team."
Top 10
1. Scott McLaughlin/Alex Premat - 6:27:51
2. Shane Van Gisbergen/Garth Tander + 0.68
3. James Courtney/Jack Perkins + 1.87
4. Jamie Whincup/Craig Lowndes + 2.66
5. David Reynolds/Luke Youlden + 3.64
6. Mark Winterbottom/Steven Richards + 5.62
7. Scott Pye/Warren Luff + 6.61
8. Rick Kelly/Dale Wood + 6.67
9. Lee Holdsworth/Thomas Randle + 6.98
10. Will Davison/Alex Davison + 7.70