The 2024 Bathurst 500, known commercially as the 2024 Thrifty Bathurst 500, took place from February 23 to February 25, 2024. Held at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, the event consisted of two exhilarating 250 km races. This year’s competition was not only the opening round of the Supercars Championship but also a significant moment as it marked the eighth occurrence of the Australian Touring Car/Supercars Championship sprint round at this celebrated venue.
As the season kicked off, it was under clear skies that competitors took to the track, setting the stage for thrilling action. “The atmosphere here at Bathurst is electric and as always, the fans bring their A-game to support us,” said Broc Feeney, who was fast off the line.
The first race featured intense competition, with the action lasting over 40 laps covering a total distance of 248.520 km. Will Brown earned the pole position with a solid qualifying time of 2:06.3740, leveraging his skills to start strong, which he did by holding his position early on. However, it was Feeney who clinched victory in this race with a commanding time of 1:36:15.9437. “Winning the first race of the season is a significant morale booster for the team,” Feeney reflected post-race.
In Race 2, the battle intensified. Broc Feeney, having claimed pole once again with a time of 2:06.5465, showcased his capabilities but faced stiff competition from his teammate. It was Brown who shone in this contest, securing victory in a time of 1:27:19.1560. “The team worked hard and I'm thrilled to grab the win today. It’s all about teamwork,” Brown noted, highlighting the cooperative effort behind their performances.
The results of the two races were instrumental for the championship standings moving forward. In Race 1, Feeney was recognized for his tenacity and skill as he crossed the finish line first, marking a strong start to his season with Triple Eight Race Engineering. His teammate, Brown, bounced back impressively in Race 2, suggesting a competitive dynamic among the drivers at Triple Eight.
Qualifying itself set the tone for the event, with several notable performances. Will Brown secured the top spot, followed closely by fellow competitor Broc Feeney. “It’s all about pushing limits in qualifying, and I think we both did just that today,” Brown stated after securing pole for the first race.
Other notable finishes in qualifying included Chaz Mostert of Walkinshaw Andretti United in third, Cameron Hill from Matt Stone Racing completing the top four, and Richie Stanaway bolstering Grove Racing’s prospects in fifth. “Each lap counts, and qualifying sets that crucial tone for the races,” Mostert emphasized, showing appreciation for the competitive spirit.
As the racing weekend came to a close, the attention has now shifted to the upcoming rounds of the 2024 Supercars Championship. With the momentum from the Bathurst 500, the teams and drivers are ready to face new challenges in the months ahead. The event proved to be not only an exciting opener but a promising precursor to what fans can expect throughout the season.
In reflecting on the overall experience, Feeney concluded, “Bathurst will always hold a unique place in our hearts as drivers, and kicking off the season here is something special. We’re all excited for what’s next.”
