Bates breaks Bathurst 1000 qualifying record in pole shootout
Zach Bates clocked the fastest qualifying lap in the current Supercars era at Bathurst with a time of 2:03.938.
Bates will start the Top 10 Shootout as the clear favourite for pole position after topping Friday's qualifying with a 2:03.938, the fastest time ever set in the modern era of Supercars racing at Mount Panorama.
The shootout this afternoon determines the first five rows of the grid for Sunday's Bathurst 1000. Brodie Kostecki will also compete in the shootout, chasing a chance to become the first driver ever to secure four consecutive pole positions at the Great Race.
Ten fastest driver pairs from Friday will each get one lap to set their grid position, with the top 10 qualifying teams going in reverse order of their Friday times. The race itself begins on Sunday, October 11.
- 2:03.938
- Bates qualifying time
- 5
- Grid rows set by shootout
- 10
- Fastest duos competing
- Sunday, October 11
- Race date
Why it mattersPole position at Bathurst is crucial; starting first gives drivers a real advantage in traffic and strategy over the gruelling 1000-kilometre race.
AustraliaBathurst 1000 is Australia's biggest motorsport event, and a record-breaking qualifying performance by a homegrown driver adds extra interest to the weekend.
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