In an impressive display of driving, Shane van Gisbergen paired with Richie Stanaway to secure a commanding victory at the Bathurst 1000. This victory solidifies van Gisbergen’s status as the reigning champion just as he prepares to join NASCAR full-time, while it also marks a significant milestone for Stanaway as a first-time winner in this prestigious race.
Van Gisbergen drove the #97 Red Bull Camaro, capitalizing on impeccable timing during a safety car period that occurred on lap 27. "We pitted just before the safety car, so we got the jump on the #88 car which had been leading up to that point," said van Gisbergen, reflecting on the strategy that allowed them to seize the lead.
Issues plagued the #88 entry, heightening the challenges its crew faced throughout the day. The double stacking during pit stops became a hindrance, allowing the #97 to pull ahead and maintain a strong position as the race progressed. Unfortunately for the #88 crew, a gearshift tower malfunction later eliminated their chances of contention, leaving van Gisbergen to drive away to victory.
"Once we got into the lead, it felt like we just needed to manage the gap," he explained. The race concluded with a comfortable 20-second margin over the competition, a clear testament to their dominance. This win marks van Gisbergen's third victory at the Bathurst 1000, a feat that adds to his illustrious career in the V8 Supercars series.
Meanwhile, Kostecki and his co-driver David Russell finished in second place, putting Kostecki in a strong position for the title with only two races left in the season. "We're well-placed now, the points lead gives us a bit of cushion going into the final rounds," Kostecki stated, underscoring the importance of finishing strong as the season draws to a close.
Feeney faced a tough day as well after mechanical difficulties put him at a significant disadvantage. He had been in contention but the 408-point gap to Kostecki seems daunting considering only 600 points remain available with two races left on the calendar.
The podium concluded with Anton De Pasquale and Tony D'Alberto in third place for Dick Johnson Racing, marking a strong showing for the Ford teams amid discussions about parity in the series. “This has been a tough weekend but we are proud to be up here on the podium,” noted D'Alberto, reflecting on their overall performance.
The intense competition throughout the race kept fans on the edge of their seats. Stanaway, in particular, showed tenacity and skill as he chased down the race leader, initially trailing David Russell. "It was all about patience and taking my time to find a rhythm," Stanaway shared, emphasizing the importance of strategy over aggression throughout the grueling race.
As the second half of the race evolved, pit stops became crucial. Stanaway, who had thrived in maintaining pace, handed the car over to van Gisbergen in a strategic move that enabled them to extend their lead. "I just tried to keep it clean and let Shane do his thing for the final push," he added.
The win represents not just a personal achievement for Stanaway but also a new beginning, as he is set to join the Supercars series as a full-time driver with Grove Racing next season. "This victory, especially at Bathurst, will always be special to me. I can’t wait to get back out there next year," he said, radiating excitement and determination for what lies ahead.
As the season nears its conclusion, the Bathurst 1000 stands out as a significant chapter in both drivers' careers. Looking ahead, fans and teams alike will be eager to see how the upcoming races play out, especially with the title contender standings heating up. Kostecki will have to fend off challenges from van Gisbergen and others as the championship nears its climax, making every lap count in the races to come.
