Supercars star Chaz Mostert has promised to “throw caution to the wind” at Mount Panorama this year in pursuit of his second Bathurst 1000 title.
Mostert will likely have to wait another year for his maiden Supercars title but the Tickford Racing gun says winning Bathurst will “delete” his championship disappointment in 2019.
The 27-year-old is yet to transform his prodigious talent into a drivers’ championship but he’s delivered another consistent season with a win and nine podiums from 20 races.
Mostert is fourth overall, 540 points behind DJR Team Penske supremo Scott McLaughlin, but is determined to clinch another Bathurst title after conquering Mount Panorama in 2014.
“Winning it is an unbelievable feeling. You’re in shock and you can’t believe that after six or seven hours racing that your car crossed the line first, it’s crazy, it means the world to you,” Mostert told AAP.
“When you get up on the podium and see the supporters down there it absolutely blows your mind.
“It’s what we all chase, that 30-second feeling being on that podium and feeling like you’ve executed the best race.”
The Ford driver said victory at Bathurst would “without a doubt” atone for again missing out on the championship.
“Bathurst is one of those ones where you just throw caution to the wind because you know you’re not quite in the championship hunt,” Mostert said.
“It’s the one you can win and have that Peter Brock trophy for 12 months; it’s an awesome feeling and definitely can delete not winning the championship, for sure.
“You need a lot of luck there and not always necessarily does the fastest car win… I’ve got one of the best co-drivers in the series with James Moffat and we’re excited to get there.”
McLaughlin and teammate Fabian Coulthard have won 16 of 20 races this season but Mostert was optimistic he could close the gap before Bathurst begins on October 10.
“We’re trying awfully hard and a lot of other teams are too,” Mostert said.
“It’s been a pretty consistent year for us, not fantastic but still a lot of good results… Hopefully by the time Bathurst comes around we can give them (DJR Team Penske) a red-hot crack.”