Fraser MasefieldFor many fans of motorsport, the biggest event of the weekend was neither the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka nor the Thailand MotoGP at the Chang International Circuit.
Indeed, for lovers of V8 Supercars and ‘Tin Top’ racing, the biggest showpiece of the year was taking place at the 1000km long Bathurst 1000, held at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.
Regarded as the Pinnacle of Motorsport in Australia, the touring car race has been taking place since 1963 and is popularly known as the ‘Great Race’ to fans of the sport and for very good reasons. The venue welcomes over 200,000 spectators for the historic event and the spectacular circuit is famed for its challenging corners, such as the first left hand ‘Hell Corner’ and its dramatic elevation changes.
Since 1999, the race has been entirely for V8 Supercars and recently the Porsche Carrera Cup but has previously been for production saloon cars.
For the 2019 event onwards, Acronis is a proud partner of 23 Red Racing, Brad Jones Racing, Tekno Autosport in Supercars and Volante Rosso and Sonic Racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup.
And the teams fared well in the famous event, Nick Percat and Brad Jones finishing a creditable seventh in their Brad Jones Holden despite having no power steering for three stints. Jack Le Brocq and Jonathon Webb’s Tekno Holden were 15th and the Davison brothers 19th for 23 Red Racing in the 26-strong field.
7th @ the Bathurst 1000! That’s @NickPercat 5th top ten finish and 2nd top ten for @macauleyjones14. Great effort from all the team today. #VASC pic.twitter.com/XrZFeXgVBr
— Brad Jones Racing (@BJRsupercars) October 7, 2018
But it was to be an incredible seventh Bathurst victory for Craig Lowndes and five for teammate Steve Richards in their last appearance together before Lowndes retires.
Bathurst is something of a marathon, the 161 laps taking just over six hours. And it was due to a cramping leg from long-time leader David Reynolds that allowed Lowndes to take the lead, Reynolds’ misfortune compounded by a pitlane penalty because he couldn’t keep his foot on the clutch.
Huge thanks to my good mate and co driver @Steve_Richo and everyone @autobarn888 what a weekend. This goes down as one of my best wins at @Bathurst1000. Also thank you to the fans that have supported me through all the years. This one is for you ?? pic.twitter.com/Zw4uvk4Bv8
— Craig Lowndes (@craiglowndes888) October 7, 2018
Top Image: 2018 Supercars Championship round 13. Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. ©Daniel Kalisz.
Guennadi Moukine
