THE LEADING DRIVER PAIRINGS COMPETING AT THIS YEAR’S BATHURST 1000 SUPERCARS RACE

SCOTT McLAUGHLIN-TIM SLADE (FORD)

Bathurst best: McLaughlin – 1st (2019); Slade – 7th (2009, ’12, ’18)

A freshly-crowned three-time champion, Scott McLaughlin will be hoping to secure consecutive Bathurst 1000 wins in what will likely be his farewell Supercars race before embarking on an IndyCar career. The DJR Penske star claimed a controversial breakthrough win at Mount Panorama last year with Alex Premat. Tim Slade replaces the Frenchman in the all-conquering Ford Mustang this year.

JAMIE WHINCUP-CRAIG LOWNDES (HOLDEN)

Bathurst best: Whincup -1st (2006, ’07, ’08, ’12); Lowndes – 1st (1996, 2006, ’07, ’08, ’10, ’15, ’18)

Fitting that two of Australian motorsport’s greats are back together in a Commodore in Holden’s last hurrah at Mount Panorama before the brand is retired. The legendary duo combined for the first time since 2009 last year, finishing fourth. Lowndes might be two years retired from full-time racing, but don’t discount him from snatching an eighth Bathurst 1000 win – and fourth with Whincup.

CAMERON WATERS-WILL DAVISON (FORD)

Bathurst best: Waters – 4th (2016); Davison – 1st (2009, ’16)

Tickford’s Cameron Waters has enjoyed a sparkling end to 2020, culminating in a breakthrough solo win at Tailem Bend. His record at the mountain is underwhelming but his pairing with two-time winner Will Davison will boost his chances considerably this year. Davison has been off-track as a solo driver since March after his team 23Red pulled out of the Supercars championship.

SHANE VAN GISBERGEN-GARTH TANDER (HOLDEN)

Bathurst best: Van Gisbergen – 2nd (2016, ’19); Tander – 1st (2000, ’09, ’11)

Could this be the year for Shane van Gisbergen? Again driving with three-time winner Garth Tander, the 2016 Supercars champion will be hoping to finally breakthrough for his maiden Bathurst 1000 win. After a nightmare start to 2020, van Gisbergen has finished strongly by securing a trio of victories at the last three rounds.

FABIAN COULTHARD-TONY D’ALBERTO (FORD)

Bathurst best: Coulthard – 3rd (2017); D’Alberto – 3rd (2017)

Back together for the fourth year in row, the Mustang drivers have experience and chemistry on their side. While attention will be on the other DJR Penske car, Fabian Coulthard has been peaking at the right end of the season to be giving Scott McLaughlin a run for his money.

CHAZ MOSTERT-WARREN LUFF (HOLDEN)

Bathurst best: Mostert – 1st (2014); Luff – 2nd (2017, ’18)

Chaz Mostert has been a picture of consistency since his controversial switch from Ford during the off-season. No victories to show for it, but he has qualified well and usually been near the top of the field. Knows what it takes in the big race after securing a famous win in 2014 with Paul Morris.

LEE HOLDSWORTH-MICHAEL CARUSO (FORD)

Bathurst best: Holdsworth – 3rd (2009); Caruso – 3rd (2009)

This pair is reuniting for the first time in 11 years. Ford veteran Lee Holdsworth has endured a nightmare last few Bathurst 1000s, but his last start with Michael Caruso in 2009 yielded a podium finish. They need everything to go their way to cause a boilover.

DAVID REYNOLDS-WILL BROWN (HOLDEN)

Bathurst best: Reynolds – 1st (2017); Brown – 24th (2018)

David Reynolds’ successful partnership with Luke Youlden, which resulted in a 2017 win, has come to an end and the Erebus favourite will instead team up with the unheralded Will Brown. It will be just the 22-year-old’s third start at Mount Panorama.

RICK KELLY-DALE WOOD (FORD)

Bathurst best: Kelly – 1st (2003, ’04); Wood – 4th (2017)

He’s long been a contender, but popular veteran Rick Kelly’s last win at the mountain was 16 year ago. After driving with Kelly for eighth in a Nissan last year, the dependable Dale Wood is back again and will provide solid support.

MARK WINTERBOTTOM-JAMES GOLDING (HOLDEN)

Bathurst best: Winterbottom – 1st (2013); Golding 8th – (2018)

Without a full-time drive in the championship this year, young gun James Golding will make for a solid partner to Holden veteran Mark Winterbottom. The man they call ‘Frosty’ has been off the pace this season, but a driver who has claimed a title and a Bathurst 1000 win before can’t be discounted.