Bathurst 1000: A Mount Panorama Showdown Under Rain and Strategy
The Bathurst 1000 electric atmosphere returned to Mount Panorama with a wild start, shifting weather, and strategic gambles that could decide who wears the crown this year. After a dramatic opening and a few showers flirting with the track, teams have settled into a race that is increasingly defined by pit strategy, co-driver stints, and how quickly drivers adapt to changing grip.
Early Leaders and Big Moves
As the first hour unfolded, Broc Feeney seized the lead thanks to Red Bull Racing’s calculated pit strategy. By choosing a lighter fuel load at the first stop, Feeney’s car exited pit lane ahead of Todd Hazelwood and the familiar sight of the Shell V-Power Mustang, which had led much of the opening phase. The margin at the top of the field quickly became a chess match, with teams weighing pace against fuel and tire management.
After 30 laps, the top 10 provided an intriguing snapshot of who might emerge on Sunday as Bathurst’s king. For now, Hazelwood remains a frontrunner as he clings to a slim lead at the 12-lap mark, just ahead of Mark Winterbottom. The opening exchanges also featured several co-drivers taking the wheel for their teams, a reminder that this enduring 161-lap format is as much about stamina as outright speed.
Weather, Strategy, and the New Reality of Bathurst
Rain has moved from whispers to a clear possibility, injecting a new layer of risk and reward. The forecast points to unsettled conditions in the afternoon and early evening, with a 95% chance of showers. In Mount Panorama terms, that translates into unpredictable grip, more opportunities for bold passing, and, inevitably, mistakes that could prove costly in a race that rewards execution over a six-hour window.
Co-drivers—seasoned but not always racing weekly in V8 Supercars—are set to play a pivotal role. A minimum of 60 laps among the co-drivers, in addition to fuel stops, means teams will balance when to deploy their most trusted hands for the last third of the race. The evolving dynamics remind fans that Bathurst has evolved from an endurance challenge into a sprint-like event where every stint counts toward the final outcome.
Controversy and the Call for Parity
In a moment that has added drama off the track, defending champion Brodie Kostecki and his team have publicly questioned parity. DJR’s statement argued that the Chevrolet Camaro holds a straight-line advantage at Mount Panorama’s altitude, undermining Ford’s competitiveness. The claim centers on barometric pressure effects that DJR says grant the Camaro extra horsepower above 5900 rpm. The team has criticized Supercars for not implementing parity adjustments, arguing that “parity is the foundation of the Supercars Championship.”
While on-track performance remains the primary story, the political fray around parity injects a layer of tension that could influence team choices and media attention as the race unfolds. Kostecki’s pole position was celebrated as a testament to Erebus Motorsport’s pace, yet the team leaders insist they will race with whatever cards the game hands them, not as excuses but as a reality to overcome.
Quick Facts for Fans Tuning In
- Start time: New South Wales 11:45am AEDT; broadcast on Channel Seven and Kayo Sports.
- Distance: 161 laps on the iconic 6.213 km Mount Panorama circuit, totaling roughly 1000 km.
- Weather watch: Rain expected later; track grip will be the decisive factor in pit strategy and tire choice.
- Lap pace: It takes just over two minutes for a lap; the lap record sits around 2:03.37, with top speeds flirting around 300+ km/h on the straight.
Who Will Reign as Bathurst King?
With the field still very much bunched and strategies unfolding, fans will be watching how teams manage co-driver commitments and how quickly the track dries in bursts of sunshine or dampness. The question—Who will be crowned king of Mount Panorama?—is far from answered. Expect further lead swaps, dramatic safety-car moments, and more voice-of-the-people moments as spectators from across the country share their bets on the race’s turning points.
Stay Tuned
As the afternoon deepens, keep an eye on pit stop windows, weather updates, and how the leaders handle traffic on Conrod Straight and the Dragon Pit complex. Bathurst 1000 is famous for late-race drama, and this year could deliver another unforgettable chapter in the Mount Panorama saga.
