2026 Bathurst 1000 **Spoliers**

[skaifeman]

Never too early to start the great race thread. What's the long forecast look like?

In a surprise, GRM entered as a wildcard with Moffat and Herne having purchased the 888 Wildcard chassis. Thought is they will use a 2000 look:

https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-bathurst-1000-garry-rogers-motorsport-wildcard-james-moffat-nathan-herne-barry-rogers-interview-exclusive/

[fordman]

Good to see Herne getting a go, seems they may have fixed his licence situation???

[murph_fan51]

James Moffat?    

[Trevor]

James Moffat?    

that's exactly what I thought when I saw the release earlier this week

[Trevor]

Might not watch the whole race this year, which would be the first time since the 1970's I think.  There is a local car show on I will probably go to, I might catch the 'sprint to the end"

[fordman]

James Moffat?    

that's exactly what I thought when I saw the release earlier this week

I am hearing he put some $$ into it as well so he bought his drive?

[mikeamerica84]

James Moffat?    

that's exactly what I thought when I saw the release earlier this week

I am hearing he put some $$ into it as well so he bought his drive?

Preaching to the choir I am, but it is not the first time in motorsport that this approach has been taken.   

[stevo qld]

Considering that almost all drivers in Supercars are actually pay drivers, either through family money or payments from personal sponsors to get the gig, it is likely that both drivers are not getting a free ride from GRM.

Even the very few drivers retaining drives through talent, got there via other classes that required cash contributions or even fully paid drives with professional providers.

Herne is a great example. On the one hand, he seems to be racing with family support, but his father points out that the family support can't even stretch to Super2.

[muz]

You blokes need to read.

Most reports are that Moffat was told about the Herne situation and thought he could help, so led the effort to find the money and work with GRM to put the car on the grid.

I'm no big moffat fan at all, but kudos to finding a way to help a young guy.

Re license points - the system changed and with his success in Trans Am he has enough points now.

[skaifeman]

A shame for Cricky, but a great opportunity for Jones, who seems to have been placed in the dumpster after it looked like T18 initially rolled out the red carpet (pre-Chase concrete wall).
https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-2026-matt-stone-racing-cameron-cricket-out-replacement-named-harri-jones-details-comments-statement/

[Troy01505]

Might not watch the whole race this year, which would be the first time since the 1970's I think.  There is a local car show on I will probably go to, I might catch the 'sprint to the end"

I am the same but it started last year, I watched first and last 15ish laps.

Bathurst has lost its way

[skaifeman]

Might not watch the whole race this year, which would be the first time since the 1970's I think.  There is a local car show on I will probably go to, I might catch the 'sprint to the end"

I am the same but it started last year, I watched first and last 15ish laps.

Bathurst has lost its way

I reckon you missed out . Was a fantastic race.

[fordman]

been going for 27 consecutive years [ even went to the covid event] cannot see me not going, if they went EV then I might give it a miss. Its not just the race itself its whole experience.

Must keep variables in the event allow for varying tactics otherwise its a follow the leader procession, current series format allows those set for the top 10 to have a real go, no more championship strategies. now just to organise some rain at lap 130ish.

[Trevor]

I love the experience, particularly camping up the top, BUT the facilities up there, particularly in Reid Sulman are 3rd world.  The Chase gets great brought in toilet and shower facilities, they bring in extra's at McPhillamy, but Reid Sulman is disgusting.  Added to that the campsites are getting smaller every year and are getting more expensive every year.  The racing is boring and manipulated at best.  The gaps between racing is deplorable. So, I am done with the 'experience' of being there.

I put the whole 'loss of interest' probably started when I was on the 'inside' at my time at BAC/Winton.  I saw how they treat track owners, and their total disregard for punters and other things

[fordman]

I camp at the bottom, and the sites are big [ enduro] shower/toilets are ok received and e-mail from SC saying they are expanding that area to accommodate mor sites. our sites are 8m x 8m much better than the early 2000s just paddock road that bogged at any sort of rain. Somebody does make a motza out of the campgrounds.


agree gaps between classes too long, support classes are treated poorly in regards to track time, once crash and its all over should better utilize that gap better.