Scott Pye has announced a strong start to the Repco Bathurst 1000 weekend, setting the pace in Thursday’s co-driver practice at Mount Panorama. The session delivered a complete spectrum of track conditions and high-speed drama, featuring fast laps, rapidly changing weather, and a heavy crash involving rookie Harri Jones.
Pye, driving the defending Supercars’ Champion Will Brown’s #1 Red Bull Ampol Racing Chevrolet, recorded the fastest time of 2:06.8395s. This impressive pace was achieved just before heavy rain swept across the iconic circuit. Pye’s performance is notable as he previously rebounded from a crash at Mount Panorama in 2024 to secure a podium finish.
The session began in dry conditions, tempting several drivers to push hard. Tony D’Alberto and Jamie Whincup initially joined Pye in the top grouping before conditions worsened significantly.
The biggest incident of the afternoon occurred when Team 18 rookie Harri Jones lost control at The Chase. Jones struck standing water, causing him to slam into the concrete wall at high speed. While Jones walked away unhurt, his DEWALT Chevrolet sustained significant damage, leaving his team with a major repair job needed overnight.
With the wet conditions offering an early preview of Sunday’s forecast, several teams chose to park their cars once the rain intensified. However, other co-drivers utilized the challenging track conditions to gain valuable wet-weather experience ahead of the 1000km classic. Defending winner Todd Hazelwood was among those practicing in the damp, finishing sixth in the co-driver-only session.
The day’s drama was not limited to the co-drivers. Earlier opening practice, which focused on the Championship drivers, also included significant incidents. Kiwi Ryan Wood topped the time sheets in that session, followed by De Pasquale and rookie Kai Allen, who finished third, However, Wood’s teammate, two-time Bathurst winner Chaz Mostert, had a spectacular crash during the opening practice.
Looking Ahead to Qualifying
Supercars action will ramp up on Friday. Practice 3 is scheduled for 10:05 am AEDT, followed by Practice 4 at 1:05 pm. The crucial Boost Mobile Qualifying is set for 4:10 pm, which will determine the grid positions for Saturday’s Top Ten Shootout.
Live coverage of the Repco Bathurst 1000 is available on screens of the Seven Network, 7plus, Kayo, and Foxte
