The Bulletin previews how the 10 Gold Coast lead drivers will fare in the Bathurst 1000
THE biggest day on the Australian motorsport calendar is almost upon us; the Bulletin looks at how the 10 Gold Coast-based lead drivers will fare in the Bathurst 1000.
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THE biggest day on the Australian motorsport calendar is almost upon us; the Bulletin looks at how the 10 Gold Coast-based lead drivers will fare in the Bathurst 1000.
The Top 10 shootout will be run at 5.10pm on Saturday before the 161-lap race gets underway at 10.10am (Qld time) on Sunday.
SHANE VAN GISBERGEN
Team: Red Bull Holden Racing Team (Holden)
Championship position: 1st
Bathurst best finish: 2nd (2016)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: Top 10 shootout
Co-driver: Earl Bamber
Our say: Has openly said the championship is more important to him than Bathurst glory, so expect to see him take as few risks as possible to get to the end in decent scoring position.
JAMIE WHINCUP
Team: Red Bull Holden Racing Team (Holden)
Championship position: 3rd
Bathurst best finish: 1st (2006-08, 2012)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: Top 10 shootout
C o-driver: Paul Dumbrell
Our say: These two were untouchable at Sandown and in Bathurst qualifying. Have come close to conquering the Mountain so many times in the past six years before something has gone awry – is this the year?
FABIAN COULTHARD
Team: Shell V-Power Racing (Ford)
Championship position: 6th
Bathurst best finish: 3rd (2017)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: 15th
Co-driver: Tony D’Alberto
Our say: Dark horse for the race. Hasn’t had his best year by any means but is experienced and has a quality car and co-driver at his disposal.
CHAZ MOSTERT
Team: Tickford Racing (Ford)
Championship position: 8th
Bathurst best finish: 1st (2014)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: 11th
Co-driver: James Moffat
Our say: The 26-year-old has done well all year to be the top dog in a Tickford team desperately struggling for pace. His car may be the biggest hurdle to him repeating his 2014 heroics.
TIM SLADE
Team: Brad Jones Racing (Holden)
Championship position: 10th
Bathurst best finish: 7th (2009, 2012, 2016)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: 20th
Co-driver: Ash Walsh
Our say: Has had a typically solid season but is still chasing a big result at Bathurst in his 10th attempt at the 1000km classic. Starting from 20th won’t make his cause any easier.
JAMES COURTNEY
Team: Walkinshaw Andretti United (Holden)
Championship position: 14th
Bathurst best finish: 2nd (2007)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: Top 10 shootout
Co-driver: Jack Perkins
Our say: Mighty quick in qualifying in a promising sign. It’s been a decade since Courtney scored the last of his three Bathurst podiums but he is a genuine contender this weekend.
WILL DAVISON
Team: 23Red Racing (Ford)
Championship position: 15th
Bathurst best finish: 1st (2009, 2016)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: 24th
Co-driver: Alex Davison
Our say: The brotherly combination bring two calm heads to the driver’s seat – their rookie team must show similar composure to give them a shot at punching above their weight.
JACK LE BROCQ
Team: Tekno Autosports (Holden)
Championship position: 18th
Bathurst best finish: 4th (2016)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: 25th
Co-driver: Jonathon Webb
Our say: Has generally impressed as the top-ranked rookie but blotted his copybook with a qualifying crash. Expect him and 2016 champion Webb to make progress on Sunday.
SIMONA DE SILVESTRO
Team: Nissan Motorsport (Nissan)
Championship position: 25th
Bathurst best finish: 14th (2016)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: 26th
Co-driver: Alex Rullo
Our say: De Silvestro was on track for a top 10 finish last year before a late crash; her pace looks more competitive in the wet than the dry so rain would help.
TODD HAZELWOOD
Team: Matt Stone Racing (Holden)
Championship position: 26th
Bathurst best finish: 12th (2017)
Qualifying position for 2018 race: 23rd
Co-driver: Bryce Fullwood
Our say: Rookie team, rookie lead driver, rookie co-driver. Making it to the finish has to be the aim and would net them a much-needed respectable haul of points.
GOLD COAST CO-DRIVERS
Luke Youlden, Warren Luff, Alex Davison, Bryce Fullwood, Jonathon Webb.
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