Shane van Gisbergen, a name synonymous with success in the Supercars, has etched his mark on motorsport history once again by clinching his third Bathurst 1000 title. As the first driver to achieve back-to-back victories at Mount Panorama in 15 years, van Gisbergen’s triumph signifies not just personal success, but highlights a significant moment for New Zealand in the world of motorsport.
Teaming up with Richie Stanaway, van Gisbergen's victory came as a surprise to many. They became the second all-New Zealand team to win the Bathurst 1000, following the legendary pairing of Greg Murphy and Steven Richards in 1999. “Amazing,” said van Gisbergen, reflecting on the race. “We weren't the fastest car all week, but we worked on the race car.” His adaptability and strategic thinking during the race were evident, proving critical in their ultimate success.
Starting the race from the sixth position on the grid, van Gisbergen and Stanaway focused on a steady strategy. Their pacing paid off, allowing them to overtake championship leader Brodie Kostecki, who had begun the race from pole position. Kostecki, who had sky-high expectations after a record-breaking qualifying performance, finished the race nearly 20 seconds behind van Gisbergen and Stanaway. “You never know at this place,” Stanaway said. “I couldn't be happier.”
The atmosphere at Mount Panorama was electric, drawing one of the largest crowds in Bathurst history. Spectators witnessed not only the thrill of the race but also the ups and downs that come with such an unpredictable sport. One such moment was provided by Triple Eight's young driver Broc Feeney, who faced a heart-wrenching setback with gearbox issues on lap 137 while running comfortably in second place. “I'm gutted,” Feeney shared post-race. “The track was coming to us, we were real fast out there. This place can be the best but it can also be the worst.”
In the 161-lap marathon, Ford faced challenges that led to disappointment. Anton De Pasquale was the top finishing Ford driver, coming in third after a race fraught with technical issues and crashes. Cam Waters, another contender from Ford, was forced out of the race due to a crash caused by his co-driver, James Moffat, leading to further frustration for the manufacturer.
Van Gisbergen's win is his 80th in his career and solidifies his position as a title contender in this season's Supercars championship. Remarkably, he has captured three of the last four Bathurst 1000s since first winning during the pandemic-impacted season of 2020. After the race, van Gisbergen reflected on leaving Supercars, saying, “I'm really gunna miss it. I love this place. I'll be back. For now, this is the perfect way to say goodbye.”
With van Gisbergen set to take his talents to NASCAR next season, following an impressive debut win in Chicago, his Bathurst victory not only serves as a capstone to his Supercars career but also signals a new chapter ahead. The landscape of Supercars will surely feel his absence.
The 2023 Bathurst 1000 marked a significant moment in the post-Commodore era, showcasing the dominant performance of the Camaro, which claimed 21 of 24 wins this season. The heavy dominance has left Ford teams restless, particularly after their recent requests for technical adjustments to the Mustang were turned down leading up to the iconic race.
As the dust settles on this year’s Bathurst 1000, van Gisbergen’s victory stands as a powerful reminder of his legacy in Australian motorsport and leaves fans eagerly anticipating how the upcoming season will unfold without him in the mix. The narrative of dominance, rivalry, and the unpredictability of racing remains alive at Mount Panorama, ensuring that the legendary track continues to be a focal point in the world of motorsports.
