Scott McLaughlin absent from Bathurst event

Scheduled from November 30 to December 5, the Bathurst 1000 event will be held without Scott McLaughlin, winner of the 2019 edition. Participation made impossible due to the quarantine imposed in Australia and too tight a timing with the calendar of theIndycar. “We knew from the start of the season that Scott's availability to race with us this year would be based on a number of factors, the evolution of Covid-19 and the Indycar schedule. Unfortunately, the timing just isn't what we hoped for » explains Ryan Story, president of DJR.

The Dick Johnson Racing team driver has just completed his first season in American competition where he won the title of “rookie of the year”. The New Zealander hoped to be able to continue with this Supercars race. “It’s disappointing not to be able to come home and compete in the biggest race on the Australian motorsport calendar. It's something I've been looking forward to, but with Australia's extended quarantine requirements and COVID-19 restrictions, the timing was just too right. I was also looking forward to seeing the team, the Supercars supporters, my family and friends and being part of the party at Mount Panorama,” regrets Scott McLaughlin.

🔐 in, Tony D'Alberto will partner up with Anton De Pasquale in the No. 11 Shell V-Power Ford Mustang and Alex Davison will partner up with brother Will in the No. 17 Shell V-Power Ford Mustang at the Repco Bathurst 1000 #RepcoSChttps://t.co/nEgmoNanux

— Shell V-Power Racing Team (@ShellVPowerRT) October 5, 2021

To replace the New Zealander, the DJR team decided to bring together the Davison brothers. Will, who was already scheduled as co-driver, will be joined by Alex behind the wheel of the #17 Mustang. This is the fifth time that they have been associated, they finished in fourth position during the 2014 edition. “Alex is a quality driver who has a history with this team, and of course pairing him with his brother makes it a great combination for this year’s big race.” justifies Ryan Story. The team's other car will be driven by the duo of Anton De Pasquale and Tony D'Alberto.