For the second time in its history, The Bend Motorsport Park hosts the opening round of the Enduro Cup. The Bend 500 presents a golden opportunity for drivers not yet secure in the standings to steal points and grab a Finals Series ticket.
The Enduro Cup combines results from The Bend 500 and the Bathurst 1000. The winner of the combined two-race battle automatically earns a spot in the Finals Series, adding immediate pressure from the first lap at The Bend.
Last year, Cooper Murray nearly pulled off a stunning upset before drama struck in the dying laps of Bathurst. This year, he returns with the same ambition, but the competition is expected to be much tougher.
Circuit Configuration Change
One of the biggest talking points this weekend is the switch from the longer 4.9km International layout to the shorter, sharper 3.4km West circuit. It's the first time Gen3 cars will tackle this layout, and Brodie Kostecki of Dick Johnson Racing believes it will make for more exciting racing.
“Supercars has done something great in trying the West Circuit, which I think will provide pretty good racing,” said Kostecki. “I'm really looking forward to trying it in the Gen3 cars.” The West layout was last used during the Gen2 era, and now everything has changed.
Plenty of Line-Up Changes
Of the 25 cars entered, only six pairings remain from last season. Chaz Mostert and Fabian Coulthard stay together at Walkinshaw Andretti United, but now they drive the Toyota Supra. Meanwhile, Will Brown and Scott Pye switch from Chevrolet Camaro to Ford Mustang.
Other teams remain loyal to their manufacturers, such as Aaron Cameron-Zak Best at BRT, Cam Waters-Mark Winterbottom at Tickford, and Brodie Kostecki-Todd Hazelwood at DJR. The Bend 500 is scheduled for September 11-13, and all eyes will be on how quickly drivers adapt to the new circuit and new machinery.
Read Also
Episode 1 of 'Behind the Scenes' with PPQ reveals the role of Scotty Ruddock, the artist behind Shell V-Power Racing Team's iconic livery that makes DJR's Mustang look as fast as it races.
Supercars and GM are reportedly set to adjust Camaro parity ahead of The Bend 500. Jamie Whincup calls any change 'outrageous'.
Blanchard Racing Team owner misses Trans Am at The Bend due to business. Ben Casabene from Toyota GR Cup steps in for Maverick Performance.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!