Race 18

Chaz: 2nd
Nick: 20th

It’s been a great start to Sydney SuperNight with Chaz Mostert securing a podium for Race 18, while Car 2 battled steering issues all race.

As the sun set, Nick Percat and Chaz rolled out for a three-part qualifying session with both cars struggling to unlock the green tyre.

The 200km Race 18 was an exciting one, Nick Percat and Chaz got off to a great start, making up one position each on the opening few laps.

Trouble struck for Nick on lap 8 where he battled with steering issues which he drove with for the remainder of the race.

Sydney Motorsport Park is a high degradation track, both the Mobil 1 Optus Racing No. 25 and Mobil 1 NTI Racing No. 2 went for the two-stopper strategy as tyres were falling off quickly.

Chaz continued to conserve his tyres, making his way up to P5 with some great overtakes, while the cars around him started falling back.

With 15 laps to go, the safety car came out, after pitting, Chaz came out in P5 ready to charge through the field.

Chaz made his way up to the front pack with for a nail biting, three wide, double overtake to secure the second spot on the podium, on the second to last lap.

The focus moves to tomorrow, where cars will hit the track tomorrow at 12.35pm AEST for a 15 minutes qualifying session for the 140km Race 19.

Chaz Mostert

“Awesome way to end the day with a podium in the Mobil 1 Optus Racing No. 25, nice way to end a Saturday.

“It was on for young and old at the end there, I was glad I was on the inside of that battle, but it was awesome to be on the right side of it, and I’m sure it was cool to watch.

“Still chasing a few things in the car on the green tyre, but overall, awesome to reward everyone in the team and all our partners and supporters with a trophy here.”

Nick Percat

“Tough evening on the Car 2 side tonight, it felt really good to start the race, but the car had a bit of a moment early in the race and wasn’t quite right after that.

“Think our race package was going to be pretty strong today, so we will try and find some more speed in the quali car overnight and go again in the morning.”