TICKFORD RACING: BATHURST 1000
The Repco Bathurst 1000, held at Mount Panorama in Bathurst, NSW, from October 10th to 13th, covers 161 laps on one of the most technically demanding circuits in the world. This race is a rigorous test of speed, skill, and strategy, challenging both drivers and teams to perform at their best.
Tickford Racing Line-Up:
Car #55: Thomas Randle & Tyler Everingham
Car #6: Cam Waters & James Moffat
Key Sessions:
Qualifying: Friday, 11th October at 16:15
Top Ten Shootout: Saturday, 12th October at 17:05
Race: Sunday, 13th October at 11:30
TRACK OVERVIEW
The Mount Panorama Circuit, is a 6.213 km track with 23 turns and an elevation change of 174 metres, making it one of the most technically challenging circuits in motorsport. Key sections include The Cutting, McPhillamy Park, Forrest’s Elbow, The Dipper, and Conrod Straight, where vehicles can exceed 300 km/h.
Opened in 1938, Mount Panorama serves as a public road when not used for racing, combining everyday functionality with its rich motorsport history. The circuit's combination of sharp corners, high-speed straights, and significant elevation changes makes it one of the most technically demanding tracks in the world, attracting both professional drivers and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
MAIN GAME TEAM INSIGHTS
The Bathurst 1000 is the most anticipated race of the year, offering drivers a rare opportunity to secure their place in motorsport history. With qualifying on Friday, 11th October at 16:15, the Top Ten Shootout on Saturday, 12th October at 17:05, and the race beginning on Sunday, 13th October at 11:30, the team is preparing for what could be a defining moment in the season. The first on-track action starts on Thursday, 10th October at 13:20. Cam is currently 4th in the championship, while Thomas holds 8th, and after a strong performance at Sandown, the team has climbed to 2nd in the team championship, now operating from the second garage in the pit lane.
Following a promising performance at Sandown a few weeks ago, the team enters Bathurst more motivated than ever. Having come close in recent years, they are determined to take the next step and claim victory. Both cars have proven to be competitive, with strong driver pairings that demonstrated their capabilities at Sandown. The drivers are confident in their preparation, knowing that the team has worked hard in the workshop to ensure they have the best possible chance on track.
As the biggest race of the year approaches, the team’s focus is on maximising every opportunity, knowing that success at Bathurst is not just about speed but about strategy and execution across the entire weekend.
QUOTES FROM DRIVERS
Thomas Randle - Car #55
"It's always exciting to come to Bathurst. The car's been feeling good over the past couple of rounds, and I'm hoping that continues this weekend. We performed well here earlier in the year, so Tyler and I are hoping we can put it together on Sunday."
Cam Waters - Car #6
"We’ve come close the past couple of years, but the 1000 is something that has always eluded me. Nothing beats driving around the mountain – it’s a full commitment track, and I’m keen to get stuck in with Moff."
DUNLOP SUPER 2 SERIES
As the Dunlop Super 2 Series heads into Round 5 at Bathurst, the drivers prepare for a weekend packed with action, featuring qualifying and races on both Friday and Saturday. This marks the second time the Super 2 competitors will take on the iconic Mount Panorama this season, and each driver is focused on making the most of the challenging track.
Brad Vaughan, currently holding 8th place in the championship, is fresh off a strong performance at Sandown where he secured his first win in the series on Sunday, reflected on the valuable seat time he gained with 93 laps in the Main Series. Looking ahead to Bathurst, Vaughan’s main focus is on balancing his commitments between racing in both Super2 and the Main Series, a unique challenge for him this weekend. To prepare, he has been focusing heavily on his fitness, particularly through running. Since Sandown, Vaughan has kept his racing momentum going by winning a round of Saloon Cars at The Bend, and after Bathurst, he plans to stay busy with more racing across Speedway, Excels, and Saloon Cars, alongside working at The Bend.
Rylan Gray who sits 11th in the series, was pleased with his race pace at Sandown but is keen to improve his qualifying performance as he heads into Bathurst. Having previously performed well at Mount Panorama, Gray is focused on maximising every session and keeping out of trouble on the notoriously demanding track. His preparation has involved reviewing video footage and notes, as well as ensuring he is in peak physical condition. In the lead-up to Bathurst, Gray has also spent time testing GT3 cars. After Bathurst, he will continue his busy schedule, racing a GT4 at Sydney Motorsport Park and then heading to the Gold Coast 500 the following week.
Lochie Dalton, currently positioned 7th in the championship, had a tough round at Sandown but is looking ahead to Bathurst with determination. He’s focused on keeping his performance clean and putting together a strong result at the mountain.
Each driver is ready to take on the challenges of Bathurst and make the most of their time on track during this pivotal round of the Dunlop Super 2 Series.
TOYOTA 86 SERIES
Preview for round 4 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Championship features insights from driver Charlie Nash, who sits 9th in the championship — reflected on his experiences at Sandown. One of his key takeaways from the event was his increasing comfort in handling a rear-wheel-drive car in wet conditions. Looking ahead to Bathurst, Nash emphasised the importance of staying sharp on such a technical track, noting that he aims to build his speed at his own pace, as Mount Panorama can be unforgiving if pushed too hard. In preparation for Bathurst, Nash has been engaging in simulation training and collaborating closely with his team to ensure they are as ready as possible. The weekend will include a qualifying session and three races around the mountain.
HOW TO WATCH
Viewers can stream every practice, qualifying session and race of the 2024 Supercars Championship with no ad-breaks in racing on Kayo Sports & Foxtel. The Seven Network and 7plus will show live & free coverage of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event.
