How the Gold Coast Supercars drivers fared in the Bathurst 1000

AFTER 161 enthralling laps, we assess how the 10 Gold Coast lead drivers fared in the Bathurst 1000.

AFTER qualifying, we previewed how the 10 Gold Coast lead drivers would fare in the Bathurst 1000.

Now, 161 laps later, we look back on how the Coast contingent flew the flag as Craig Lowndes conquered the Mountain in a fairytale final start as a lead driver in the endurance classic.

As it turned out, the highest placed Gold Coaster was a co-driver in Warren Luff, who joined Scott Pye for a second straight runners-up finish.

CHAZ MOSTERT

Started: 11th

Finished: 4th

The story: Ambitious drive from the Tickford star was not without its mistakes but was fast all day to come within a whisker of a podium.

SHANE VAN GISBERGEN

Shane van Gisbergen. Picture: Tim Hunter

Started: 4th

Finished: 5th

The story: Was hurt by early double stacking in the pits in an otherwise reliable performance that will do his dreams of a second championship no harm.

FABIAN COULTHARD

Fabian Coulthard with co-driver Tony D’Alberto. Picture: Getty Images

Started: 15th

Finished: 9th

The story: Forced to play second fiddle to teammate McLaughlin. Was up front at times mid-race before drifting to the back end of the top 10.

JAMIE WHINCUP

Started: 2nd

Finished: 10th

The story: The wheels literally fell off Whincup’s mission to end a six-year Bathurst drought. Well, it was only one wheel but it was a cruel twist for the pre-race favourites. Fought back admirably to salvage points.

SIMONA DE SILVESTRO

Simona De Silvestro aboard her Nissan Altima. Picture: Getty Images

Started: 26th

Finished: 14th

The story: Not a bad performance. De Silvestro kept her nose clean all day and pulled off a couple of overtakes to secure a decent points haul.

JACK LE BROCQ

Jack Le Brocq. Picture: Tim Hunter

Started: 25th

Finished: 15th

The story: Had a tough day ahead of them after a qualifying crash but made some progress to finish in the midfield.

TIM SLADE

Tim Slade had a rough weekend. Picture: Getty Images

Started: 20th

Finished: 17th

T he story: Slade’s nightmare weekend didn’t get any easier. Picked up a 15-second penalty for causing a collision, struggled for pace and finished with damage.

WILL DAVISON

Will Davison tackles the Mountain. Picture: Getty Images

Started: 24th

Finished: 19th

The story: Difficult race for the Davison brothers. Mixed it in the lower mid-pack for the most part but ultimately finished two laps down.

TODD HAZELWOOD

Todd Hazelwood. Picture: Getty Images

Started: 23rd

Finished: 20th

The story: Eventually got to the end but not before rookie co-driver Bryce Fullwood had spun into the last-corner gravel trap. Will be better for the experience.

JAMES COURTNEY

James Courtney was unable to snatch his first Bathurst podium in a decade. Picture: Getty Images

Started: 8th

Finished: DNF (33 laps)

The story: This guy just can’t catch a break. Courtney looked to be a contender running inside the top 10 until engine dramas called an early end to their day.