In a thrilling 2023 Bathurst 1000, Shane van Gisbergen and Richie Stanaway secured victory, marking van Gisbergen’s third title at this iconic event. This year’s race took place on October 8, 2023, at the Mount Panorama Circuit, and the duo became only the second Kiwi pairing to clinch the prestigious title. However, the celebration was bittersweet as van Gisbergen’s Red Bull Racing teammate, Broc Feeney, faced a heartbreaking mechanical failure that denied him a potential podium finish.
"It’s taken me a long time to learn this place – 10 years or something to be proper fast here all the time," said van Gisbergen, reflecting on his journey to mastering the challenging track. His resilience paid off as he finished ahead of the pre-race favorite, Brodie Kostecki, who had been a standout performer throughout the weekend.
Despite van Gisbergen’s success, it was a turbulent end for Feeney, who was left in tears after experiencing a gearbox issue with less than 30 laps to go. "Absolutely devastating," commented commentator Greg Murphy. "This is just torture." The young driver had been positioned securely in second place, poised to celebrate his first podium, before the misfortune struck.
As the race unfolded, van Gisbergen and Stanaway navigated a particularly tough course, showcasing their teamwork and strategy. With this victory, van Gisbergen joined the ranks of legends, now standing alongside the great Dick Johnson as a three-time Bathurst champion. "This victory is a life changing day for the Kiwi," remarked analyst Mark Skaife, emphasizing the significance of the win for Stanaway, who successfully returned to the sport after a hiatus.
Before joining van Gisbergen, Stanaway faced a challenging career path, raising concerns about his future in Supercars. Commentator Neil Crompton noted, "A big turnaround for him. We thought he may be over – done and dusted. But no. He’s rebuilt his confidence. Today’s he earned a very special win here." Stanaway expressed his gratitude, stating, "It’s been incredible to be part of this team. Teaming up with Shane … I knew we had a good shot but you never know with this place. The last 60 laps was probably the longest two hours of my life."
Kostecki, who finished in second place alongside his teammate David Russell, had been the one to beat throughout the event, having secured pole position. Unfortunately, steering issues and an inability to maintain speed thwarted their chance for victory. Kostecki reflected on his race, saying, "It’s a childhood dream of mine to win this race. I can’t believe it."
Anton de Pasquale and his co-driver Tony D’Alberto rounded out the podium in third place, marking de Pasquale's first podium finish in his Supercars career. As the racers contended with the unique challenges posed by the demanding Mount Panorama circuit, Van Gisbergen's triumph rekindled excitement for the championship race, drawing him closer to Kostecki's series lead.
The full finishing order from the race highlighted the intense competition, with notable placements including Will Brown and Jack Perkins in eighth and Tim Slade and Taz Douglas in tenth.
Overall, this year’s Bathurst 1000 delivered not only an astounding win for van Gisbergen and Stanaway but also showcased the highs and lows of motorsport. As for Feeney, the Red Bull Racing team principal Jamie Whincup expressed disappointment but also pride in his team’s efforts. As the championship season progresses, fans are eager to see how van Gisbergen’s triumph will shape the remainder of the series, especially with his impending transition to Nascar next season. The 2023 Bathurst 1000 not only celebrated the ultimate triumph but also served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability inherent in motorsport.
