Bathurst 1000 – Lowndes/Richards winners, Premat 3rd

Craig Lowndes (Holden) wrote the history of the Bathurst 1000 Km (Australia) on Sunday. Supercars championship veteran notched his seventh victory in the most prestigious race in the discipline alongside Steven Richards (fifth success for his part).

Craig Lowndes is the second winningest driver at Bathurst, tied with Jim Richards and a cut behind the great Peter Brock. While he will retire at the end of the season, this race obviously puts a smile on his face, all to the cheers of the crowd.

.@craiglowndes888!

SEVENTH #Bathurst1000 title

#VASC pic.twitter.com/gLQa02FdTx

— Supercars (@supercars) 7th October, 2018

“It means so much! We struggled throughout the weekend, particularly with the management, explains the winner, who started ninth. I didn't have a new suit or fresh air in my helmet for the last three stints, I'm a little tired", explained Craig Lowndes, 44 years old.

The crowd are going absolutely crazy for the legend, @craiglowndes888.#VASC #Bathurst1000 pic.twitter.com/dpMylYe8n9

— Supercars (@supercars) 7th October, 2018

The Triple Eight Holden overtook the Erebus Motorsport Holden driven by David Reynolds on the 135th of 161 laps. David Reynolds, associated with Luke Youlden, was in an advantageous position to double the lead at Bathurst after his Saturday pole.

However, leg cramps ruined his chances. “I had the worst cramps of my life. We had the best car in the field and I'm devastated. » David Reynolds released the clutch during a pit stop, causing the rear wheels to engage, which is prohibited in the pits. The Holden had to observe a pit stop penalty, and finished 13th.

.@erebusv8 try desperately to recharge Reynolds with a drink under his helmet.

And his wheels spin when he exits the stop!#VASC #Bathurst1000 pic.twitter.com/G95cMFcAB6

— Supercars (@supercars) 7th October, 2018

Scott Pye-Warren Luff (Holden) finished second at 6”2, while the French Alexandre Prémat moved up to third place with Scott McLaughlin (Ford).

Find the analysis of the Bathurst 1000 Km in issue 2186 of AUTOhebdo, available Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands.