Bathurst 500: Day One In Review

The first day of the Bathurst 500 kicked off with a mix of excitement and challenges for the Penrite Racing team as they navigated through practice sessions in preparation for qualifying. With Richie Stanaway and Matt Payne behind the wheel, the entire team showed resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Practice One:

Richie Stanaway’s performance during the first practice session showcased both potential and challenges. Despite starting off strong, Stanaway encountered a setback that prematurely ended his session when he clipped the wall due to a slight misjudgment. However, Stanaway remained confident and optimistic about bouncing back. In his own words, “I had a minor setback today, but it’s all part of the game. Bathurst is a beast of a track, and sometimes it bites back. I went a little too quick into the corner and ended up meeting the wall. Despite that, the times were good, and the car felt solid. The important thing is to regroup, learn from it, and come back stronger.”

Meanwhile, Matt Payne’s return to the track after his Adelaide 500 triumph showed promise, securing the 8th fastest time. Both drivers concluded practice race one as the fastest among the Ford competitors.

Practice Two:

With heavy rain pouring down just before the onset of practice two, the team encountered yet another hurdle, prompting a switch to wet weather tires. Richie Stanaway made the most of the session, securing the 18th fastest time. Matt Payne once again displayed impressive speed during practice two, securing the 4th fastest time with a rapid final lap as the sun emerged in the last 20 minutes, drying the track.

Reflecting on his performance, Payne stated, “I’m really pleased with how today went. Even with the challenging conditions, I was able to push myself. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love racing. I’m feeling hopeful about our chances in the upcoming races, and I’m prepared to go all out.”

Looking Ahead:

As race one qualifying approaches, the Penrite Racing team is determined to leverage the insights gained from the day’s practice sessions. The renowned Mount Panorama circuit maintains its reputation for excitement, and with Matt and Richie at the forefront, the Bathurst 500 is set to be a fiercely competitive weekend.

Don’t forget to stay up to date and follow along as Penrite Racing continues its journey through the Bathurst 500.