Rossi Johnson details what it’s like to battle Mount Panorama

It would be a dream come true for ‘The Territorian’ to claim his maiden SuperUte podium at the home of Australian motorsport. See exclusive vision from the driver’s seat here.

Rossi Johnson is no stranger to the high speeds and G-force of Mount Panorama, but that doesn’t make the track any easier.

This weekend won’t be the first time ‘The Territorian’ will tackle the mountain, however it will be the first time the Howard Springs product is entering the mountain with confidence.

After a rough time last year in the Toyota 86 Series and a forgetful weekend during the 2024 season opener (at Bathurst) Johnson believes all the work he and his team have put in behind the scenes will pay off.

“I had a string of bad luck in Darwin and Sydney so during the break we put a lot of work into the vehicle,” Johnson said.

“We did a lot of practice testing at The Bend (in Adelaide), where we made some big changes, mostly to the ride height and handling that the Championship allowed.”

In Adelaide, the driver and his crew hit the sweet spot, putting together a vehicle he finally feels content in.

“In the sessions at The Bend, it was the first time in the ute I can actually say I’ve felt 100 per cent comfortable,” he said.

“Compared to the Toyotas, the ute is so different, it’s been a big adjustment.

“The weight, the higher centre of gravity, the rear being so taily and having literally no aero are some of the things you have to battle in the utes compared to the Toyota (86s).”

Rossi Johnson racing around the track during the Repco Supercars Championship – Event 5 – Darwin Triple Crown. Picture: Rhys Vandersyde/InSyde Media.

A driver that loves pushing himself and his vehicle to the limits, Johnson will not change his approach on race day despite the difficulty of Bathurst.

“Bathurst is just so unique, it’s seriously hard to put into words,” he said.

“Everyone always talks about it but the changes in elevation is crazy.

“And in the V8 (ute) unlike the 86s, as it’s so heavy and hard to keep under control, when you’re speeding down the (Conrod) Straight, it gets really fun.

“You end up bum-drafting the guy in front which then makes you go even faster.”

Eleventh in the 25 driver standings, Johnson feels this weekend is his chance to claw back some championship points.

“Every race throws something different at you but if things go to plan I am looking to be in the top 10, and if I’m really in the zone, getting my first (SuperUte) podium at the mountain would be a dream come true.”

V8 SUPERUTE SCHEDULE

Thursday 10th: Qualifying at 9.25am (20 mins)

Friday 11th: Race 1 at 7am (20 mins)

Saturday 12th: Race 2 at 7.05am (25 mins), Race 3 at 12.55pm (20 mins)

Sunday 13th: Race 4 at 6.10am (20 mins)

Originally published as Rossi Johnson details what it’s like to battle Mount Panorama