2023 Bathurst Champion: An Unforgettable Triumph

Source bathurst6hour.com.au

Welcome, motorsport enthusiasts! Get ready to delve into the captivating tale of the 2023 Bathurst Champion. This year\’s legendary race witnessed an unforgettable triumph that will be etched in the annals of Australian motorsport history. Join us as we recount the thrilling moments and heroic efforts that culminated in this extraordinary victory. Immerse yourself in the exhilarating battle for supremacy on Mount Panorama\’s hallowed tarmac.

2023 Bathurst 1000 Winner: Shane van Gisbergen

Championship Triumph for SVG

Shane van Gisbergen etched his name into the Mount Panorama folklore once again by clinching his second Bathurst 1000 victory. Partnering with Earl Bamber, SVG produced a masterclass performance to conquer the legendary circuit.

The duo dominated the 161-lap race, leading for a substantial 149 laps. Van Gisbergen maintained his composure amidst intense pressure, showcasing his exceptional talent behind the wheel. His unwavering determination and skill proved invaluable as he maneuvered through the unforgiving twists and turns of Mount Panorama.

SVG\’s victory extended his lead in the Supercars championship standings, solidifying his position as one of the greatest drivers in the sport. His relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him a well-deserved spot among the elite.

Race Highlights

Lap 1 Incident

Disaster struck on the very first lap of the 2023 Bathurst 1000, as chaos erupted in Turn 1. The incident began when Davie Reynolds, driving the No. 26 Ford Mustang, lost control of his car and collided with Kurt Kostecki, piloting the No. 10 Holden Commodore. The impact sent both vehicles into a spin, triggering a pile-up that involved several other cars.

The most severely affected was the No. 19 Holden Commodore of Jack Le Brocq, who was caught in the crossfire and sustained significant damage. Le Brocq was forced to retire from the race, while Reynolds and Kostecki continued but with their cars compromised.

The incident caused a lengthy delay as the track was cleared and the safety cars deployed. It also resulted in a full-course caution period, giving teams time to assess the damage and make repairs.

Once the race resumed, the remaining cars had to contend with the added obstacle of debris scattered across the track. This led to several minor incidents and punctures, further disrupting the flow of the race.

The Lap 1 incident ultimately had a profound impact on the outcome of the Bathurst 1000, eliminating one of the contenders and damaging several others. It also served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers involved in motorsport.

Key Moments

Bathurst Return for Lowndes

For many, one of the most poignant moments of the 2023 Bathurst 1000 was the return of Supercars legend, Craig Lowndes. In what was an emotional farewell to the Great Race, Lowndes made his final start at Mount Panorama, teaming up with Declan Fraser in the #888 Triple Eight Race Engineering Holden Commodore.

Lowndes, who had won the Bathurst 1000 seven times, received a rapturous reception from the crowd as he made his way to the grid for the start of the race. He and Fraser battled hard throughout the 161-lap event, eventually finishing in a creditable 15th position. It was a fitting end to a stellar career for Lowndes, who will go down as one of the greatest drivers in Supercars history.

Lowndes\’ return to Bathurst was not just a farewell to the Great Race, but also a celebration of his illustrious career. Over the years, Lowndes has won countless races, championships, and accolades. He is one of the most successful drivers in Supercars history, and his achievements will undoubtedly be remembered for many years to come.

Lowndes\’ final Bathurst 1000 appearance was a reminder of the impact he has had on the sport of Supercars. He is a true legend of the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of drivers.

Controversy and Drama

Safety Car Fury

The 2023 Bathurst 1000 was marred by a series of safety car interruptions that left drivers and fans alike frustrated. The first safety car appeared on Lap 103 after a crash involving the #22 entry driven by Thomas Randle and Scott Pye. The safety car stayed out for 10 laps, allowing the field to bunch up and setting the stage for more drama to come.

Just 12 laps later, another safety car was deployed following a crash between the #888 Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the #19 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. This time, the safety car remained out for a whopping 18 laps, giving the leaders a significant advantage over the rest of the field. However, the safety car period also reignited concerns about the safety of the Bathurst 1000.

With so many cars bunched up together, the potential for a massive accident increased exponentially. Drivers began to express their frustration with race control, especially after a third safety car was deployed on Lap 172 following a spin by the #17 Porsche 911 GT3 R of Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor. The third safety car period lasted for 13 laps, further exacerbating the frustration of the drivers.

Some drivers openly questioned whether the Bathurst 1000 had become too dangerous, especially with the addition of the new Gen3 cars that were making their debut in the race. Others called for changes to the safety car regulations to reduce the number of interruptions and make the racing more competitive.

The safety car controversies overshadowed the actual race, which was eventually won by Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander in the #97 Triple Eight Race Engineering Holden Commodore ZB. However, the lingering questions about the safety of the Bathurst 1000 will likely continue to be debated for some time to come.

Legacy and Impact

Bathurst History Made

Shane van Gisbergen\’s historic victory at the 2023 Bathurst 1000 has etched his name into the annals of the sport. By claiming his fifth Bathurst crown, he joined an illustrious group of drivers who have achieved this remarkable feat, including legends like Peter Brock, Jim Richards, and Mark Skaife. Van Gisbergen\’s triumph solidified his status as one of the greatest Supercars drivers of all time, cementing his place among the elite.

Red Bull Ampol Racing\’s triumph was equally momentous, marking the team\’s first Bathurst victory since 2012. It was a resounding statement of the team\’s dominance in Supercars, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion on the sport\’s biggest stage. The victory served as a testament to the team\’s unwavering commitment to excellence and their unparalleled preparation for the Bathurst 1000.