Supercars returns to The Bend for the AirTouch 500, and this time the circuit uses the 3.41km West layout. That's a major shift—the race gets longer, from 102 laps to 147, and fans can expect closer racing. The series usually runs the 4.95km International layout, last using West back in 2020, but now they've made the switch to spice things up.
The big question: who will win? Six driver pairings from last year's Enduro Cup carry over, including the reigning 500km winners, Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood at Dick Johnson Racing. They have confidence, but competition will be fierce. Cam Waters and Mark Winterbottom from Tickford Racing, last year's runners-up, are also back with big ambitions.
Grove Racing has an interesting change. Matt Payne, who finished third last season, now has Will Davison alongside him after Garth Tander moved to a full-time commentary role. Davison brings experience and could add a new dynamic. Meanwhile, defending champion Chaz Mostert is again paired with Fabian Coulthard at Walkinshaw TWG Racing, and Aaron Cameron/Zak Best reunite at Blanchard Racing Team.
Triple Eight has a new face: Jamie Whincup has stepped back from co-driving, making way for freshly retired Nick Percat to join Broc Feeney. Feeney had a tough enduro season last year with refueling issues, so he'll be eager to bounce back. With Percat hungry for a win, this pairing could be a serious threat.
Erebus Motorsport is also worth watching. Cooper Murray and Jobe Stewart stunned last year with a solid top-10 run at The Bend before a near-fairy-tale Bathurst. Now they're split: Stewart graduates to full-time duties and is joined by Jarrod Hughes, while Murray pairs with Super2 points leader Lochie Dalton.
Don't forget the veteran co-drivers returning, like Bryce Fullwood (with Andre Heimgartner), James Courtney (with David Reynolds), Richie Stanaway (with James Golding), and Jaxon Evans (with Ryan Wood). Two wildcards also boost the grid to 26 cars: Craig Lowndes/Bayley Hall from Team 18 and Ben Gomersall/Campbell Logan from Tickford. With so many variables, The Bend this year is truly unpredictable. Who's your pick?
Baca Juga
Dua dekade setelah kepergiannya, warisan Peter Brock tetap hidup di Supercars. Pembalap seperti Matt Payne dan Will Davison berbagi kenangan dan makna Piala Peter Brock.
Supercars The Bend 500 hadir dengan konfigurasi sirkuit baru, banyak perubahan line-up, dan peluang emas untuk merebut tiket Final Series. Simak jadwal dan cara menontonnya.
Scott Pye mengecam keputusan paritas Supercars yang menguntungkan Camaro, menyebutnya 'komunisme'. Perubahan ini memicu perdebatan tentang masa depan paritas teknis vs sporting parity di seri ini.
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