2024 Repco Bathurst 1000 live race updates 10 October

The thought of making a deserved final lap of honour at Mount Panorama just hasn’t even entered Mark Winterbottom’s head. Follow the Great Race here.

The thought of making a deserved final lap of honour at Mount Panorama just hasn’t even entered Mark Winterbottom’s head.

Despite facing an uncertain future in Supercars after Team 18 announced last month they were not re-signing him next season, the Bathurst 1000 fan-favourite is approaching Sunday’s Great Race like each of his 21 previous trips to the famous circuit.

In all likelihood, the 43-year-old known affectionately as “Frosty” will remain in high demand for years to come, at least as a co-driver, but he’s also too street wise to take anything for granted.

See the starting grid below!

That’s why he won’t let sentiment creep in ahead of Sunday’s 161-lap endurance, where his only thoughts are of adding to his previous victory in Australian motorsport’s favourite event in 2013.

“I don’t care if I’ve got one year left or 20 years left, to win this race is so special,” Winterbottom said.

“If this is my last main crack at it, I’m going to go really hard and do the best I can.

“If I come back as a co-driver next year, I’ll make sure I’m in a team that’s capable of winning and try and try and do it there. But you try and win every one, whether it’s main or co or 20 years in or first year.”

Mark Winterbottom during the wet weather-affected round in Taupo. Picture: Getty Images

Crowned the overall series champion in 2015, Winterbottom won a race for Team 18 in Darwin last year and has twice finished on the podium this season, only to be told he was being replaced in 2025.

He insists he’s still up to it, and certainly hasn’t given up hope of returning with a different team next year, but said nothing has been finalised yet.

“I know I can still do the job,” he said. “My driving isn’t letting me down.

“If we get the right set up in the car, you’re instantly back fast again.

“It’s a weird environment. Obviously, the majority of the team’s got your back there and some it’s a little bit awkward with but we’re trying to win the event.

“There’s plenty going on in the background so I’m not by any means done.”

For now, Winterbottom said his only focus was Sunday’s race.

Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards won the Bathurst 1000 in 2013

Teaming up with co-driver Mark Caruso, Winterbottom qualified 22nd so has his work cut out but isn’t thinking too far ahead.

“When you put your helmet on, the outside world disappears,” he said.

“And when you’re starting 22nd like we are, we’re out of position and there’s 21 cars ahead of us that are stealing your road. So your focus when you get out there is just keep chipping away and passing them.”

“When you’re in race mode, you’re not arrogant but really selfish and you don’t care about the outside world and what’s happening and feelings and all that sort of stuff. You’re just trying to do the best job you can.”

Originally published as 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000 live race updates 10 October