Bulls fans, it’s here.
The Bathurst 1000. The Great Race. Mount Panorama. Our last race as the factory Holden team.
We don’t need to remind you that 2020 has been one hell of a ride, but Bathurst is a time for you book a date with your couch and watch 161 laps of non-stop action!
Bathurst for the Red Bull Holden squad means two things: the quest to win the greatest trophy in Australian motorsport, and the release of our co-drivers from hibernation.
Speaking of co-drivers, here’s one we prepared earlier. You may have heard of him? Seven-time Bathurst 1000 champion, Craig ‘Lowndesy’ Lowndes.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to Bathurst. It’s the only race I’ll do this year as a co-driver, so it’s really important that I do my part; give the car back to Jamie in the lead. I’ve always said if there’s one race a year you want to win, it’s Bathurst.”
Lowndesy says he’s well prepared for the great race on Sunday, even though it will feel a little different compared to previous years.
“I’m really fortunate enough to be a part of the race team for most of the season and see the direction they’re going, but for me it’s all about getting to the start line on Sunday morning and basically 161 laps later, be there at the end,” Lowndesy said.
“Really for me, the atmosphere at Bathurst and the enormity of it is something that I thrive on. I can’t wait to get down there!”
No stranger to lockdown-life, #97 co-pilot Garth ‘GT’ Tander admits getting back in a Supercar will be a surreal feeling.
“It’s been a long time out of the car. My last time was the preseason test at The Bend in February, so it’s coming on nine months since I drove a supercar, and the Melbourne Grand Prix is the last time I’ve driven any race car – longest I’ve ever had to be honest. It’s no different to a lot of co-drivers heading to Bathurst this weekend,” GT Said.
So, GT, how do you prepare for the toughest race of the year stuck in quarantine?
“I was in quarantine in Darwin for a few weeks, so the team sent me a lot of data and vision to review, as well as a lot of my own notes. I obviously don’t have a lot of race fitness, but my out-of-car fitness is as good as it’s ever been because there hasn’t been much else to do in Melbourne.”
GT is no stranger to the top step of the Bathurst 1000 podium, having reached the ultimate glory three times before, and 2020 marks a very special milestone for him.
“It’s coming up on 20 years since my first taste of success at Bathurst. It’s sort of crept up on me to be honest – I didn’t think of it until someone reminded me. I have very special memories of that day, and it’s good to see GRM (Garry Rogers Motorsport) racing this year as well to celebrate the occasion. Bathurst has a very special place in everyone’s hearts, and that’s certainly the case for myself.”
The stage is set bull fans. The Mountain awaits.
