Blanchard Racing Team (BRT) endured a tough break at Race 29 of the Supercars Championship at The Bend, as both their No. 7 and No. 3 Ford Mustangs were disqualified for failing to meet the minimum drive time requirement. The stewards' decision left many in the paddock stunned, especially given the competitive pace both cars had shown throughout the race.
The race, originally scheduled for 147 laps, was cut short at 141 laps due to the time-certain rule following wet conditions and three significant Safety Car periods. This early finish triggered the issue for BRT, as their driver stint strategy had been planned around the full 147-lap distance.
In an official statement, the team explained that their timing software incorrectly calculated that the full distance would be completed within the race's time limit. As a result, primary drivers James Golding and Aaron Cameron completed only 50 and 52 laps respectively—short of the required 54-lap minimum. Neither driver was at fault, but the regulations had to be enforced.
“We accept the stewards’ decision. Responsibility for the error sits with the team, not with the drivers, whose performances deserved better,” a team spokesperson said. BRT also apologised to its drivers, partners, and fans, and confirmed that a full review of its race systems and processes is already underway ahead of the Bathurst 1000.
The disqualification is a significant blow for BRT, who are fighting to secure their position in the championship standings. The valuable points from Race 29 vanished, and they must now regroup quickly. This incident also highlights the critical importance of accurate software and strategic management in dynamic race conditions, especially when weather is unpredictable and Safety Cars are frequent.
With the Bathurst 1000 looming, BRT faces pressure to rectify their processes. Mistakes like this cannot be repeated, especially at an event as prestigious as Bathurst. The focus now shifts to how the team can recover morale and performance, and ensure their systems can handle any scenario on track.
For fans, the drama at The Bend serves as a reminder that racing is not just about speed, but also precision and adherence to the rules. BRT has accepted the consequences, and now it's time for them to prove they can come back stronger.
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