Bathurst 1000 2024: Aussies lose it at detail in race winner’s car

The reigning Supercars champion has reasserted himself as the best driver after claiming a thrilling win in the Bathurst 1000.

Reigning Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki has won the Bathurst 1000 in a thrilling finish on Mount Panorama.

Kostecki started on pole position after blitzing Saturday’s top 10 shootout, but once he survived the opening few laps, it looked like he would cruise to victory in an uneventful race.

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The first 120 laps went by without a safety car or major incident, before Matt Payne crashed into the wall — triggering a safety car and ensuring the 161-lap race would go down to the wire.

“This is quite extraordinary given the intensity of the racing,” commentator Neil Crompton said.

Broc Feeney had been rapidly closing in on Kostecki, who used the safety car to have one final tune-up to his Camaro.

Once the race resumed, Kostecki and Feeney put a gap on the field as they both set fastest lap times of the race more than five hours after the race began.

Kostecki managed to hold a one-second advantage over the last 20 laps and claimed his maiden win at Bathurst with co-driver Todd Hazelwood after being runner-up last year.

The 1000km race was completed in just under six hours — remarkable speed for the endurance race.

Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood celebrate winning the Bathurst 1000. Photo: Fox Sports.

Kostecki hugs team boss Betty Klimenko. Photo: Fox Sports.

Brodie Kostecki and his Chiko Roll car flew around Mount Panorama. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Kostecki drove a near flawless race, flying around the iconic circuit in a yellow and red livery thanks to his Chiko Roll sponsorship.

Ultimately, Kostecki’s Chiko Roll car got bragging rights over Feeney’s Red Bull in a quintessentially Aussie battle.

“What could be more Australian than a Chiko Roll beating a Red Bull,” one fan wrote on social media.”

Another joked: “What’s the favourite meal at Bathurst? A Chiko roll with a Red Bull chaser!”

The 26-year-old Erebus Motorsport driver proved he is arguably the best driver in Supercars, but he is out of the running for the championship after missing the opening two rounds of the season due to a team and sponsorship dispute.

Kostecki hugged Erebus team over Betty Klimenko after winning the race.

It’s the first time since 2002 car No. 1 has won the race after starting on pole position and just the fifth win from pole this century.

Only one car failed to finish, the best finishing percentage in the history of the race.

A late safety car set up a thrilling finish. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Is Brodie Kostecki the best driver in Supercars? Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

The championship is still up for grabs, with leader Will Brown (third) maintaining a handy lead over Chaz Mostert (fourth) in the standings.

Supercars heads to Gold Coast and Adelaide for two more endurance events to wrap up the season.

“This win will be so sweet for Kostecki because of all the drama at the start of the year,” Supercars legend and six-time Bathurst winner Mark Skaife.

“He hasn’t been in contention because he missed those race meetings. To win Australia’s biggest car is a life changing moment.”

Commentator Neil Crompton said: “It’s a fairytale for Brodie Kostecki.

“He’s shaken off the awkward start to the season to earn the biggest win of his career.”

Kostecki is leaving Erebus to join historic Ford outfit Dick Johnson Racing in 2025.