Supercars Championship: 2026 The Bend 500 Race 29 Report | Mostert and Coulthard win the first Enduro of the season
Photo Credit: Chaz Mostert | Instagram
The beginning of the Enduro Cup takes off this weekend at Tailem Bend; the championship welcoming new heights as the season progresses, the championship title in the sights of Broc Feeney and Matthew Payne.
The Bend, or more formally known as Shell V Power Motorsport Park, is an exciting track that fans look forward to each year. It is the second-longest permanent race track in the world, it's history consisting of multiple motorsport categories, complying with FIA rules for Grade-2 cars and FIM Category A motorcycles.
During the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shoot Out, Brodie Kostecki took pole position with a lap time of 1:16.376. The No.17 Shell V Power mustang 0.0736 ahead of Matthew Payne. Behind the top leaders, the hunters chasing them down are teammates Cam Waters and Thomas Randle.
Kostecki has won the last four races in Tailem Bend, his speed and racing style unmatched each time the Supercars paddock have visited South Australia,
The Bend consists of 12 turns with an average speed of 160km/h, most drivers only reaching 47% of full throttle - the top speed at Tailem Bend is 265km/h.
An important note for racing commencing this afternoon is that the traditional track layout has been swapped out for the shorter, faster circuit on the west side of the circuit.
500km of racing is set to get underway this afternoon, an estimated 127 Litres will be in the cars at race start, with 454 Litres expected to be used over the entire duration of the race, 83 seconds is required for refuelling, and fans can expect three or more stops to fill this requirement, with no set amount of compulsory pit stops included during the 147 laps.
As it happens
The weather this afternoon at Tailem Bend is wet, overcast and cool, providing a fierce challenge for the drivers managing the race start on the circuit.
Upon the green flag, the grid get off quick - Todd Hazzlewood getting swamped on the start from pole. Chaos continued with car No.19, Will Davison spinning after contact with Mark Winterbottom in car No.6.
Championship contender, car No.19, the Penrite Racing mustang now down the back of the grid - Payne surely feeling nervous as the race gets off to a rather rocky start for some.
Lap 2, Scott Pye in car No.888 is in the pit lane with a puncture, while car No.88 is facing the wrong direction - Nick Percat in the cockpit. Both Red Bull Ampol Racing mustang's looking to have a stressful beginning to Enduro Cup.
Stewards imposed a 15-second time penalty for a driving infringement, due to the earlier spin between Winterbottom and Davison.
Amid this chaos, David Reynolds in the snowy river caravans Chevrolet Camaro is in the garage with steering problems - Reynolds now out of the car, his weekend looking pretty much finished.
Back out on track, teammate of Reynolds, Lee Holdsworth in the DeWalt Chevrolet Camaro - car No.18 - aquaplaned off track, across the paddock, accidentally playing follow the leader; Aaron Seton follows him behind in car No.10.
An experienced Craig Lowndes on Lap 4 spins in car No.15, his Supercheap Auto Chevrolet Camaro making its way pushing forward. Replays show Bryce Fullwood allegedly making contact with the veteran.
Holdsworth gains a 15-second time penalty for an alleged driving infringement, from earlier contact with Percat in car No.88 - the stewards seem to be fair game this weekend.
Lap 7, Reynolds' car No.20 comes back out onto the track; hope reinstated for the weekend, James Courtney in as pilot. Hazelwood has lost twelve positions in the opening laps, complains of no tyre grip present.
Another 15-second penalty has been issued to car No.8 for a driving infringement - this was from earlier contact with Lowndes.
A recovery drive seems to be on the rise from Davidson, a point to prove on his end after his last few years of history in the Supercars Championship - he has come from last to eleventh on Lap 8.
Tensions continued, cars each battling one another like it's the last lap of Bathurst - many moves mid pack with ex-racing regulars filling in as a co-driver. A quick lawn mowing session from Fullwood can be spotted on Lap 9, the rain playing havoc.
Lap 10, a battle between cars No.1 and No.6 breaks out as the rain comes back from the South-West, a tailwind present on the front straight.
Car No.888 has gained a 15-second time penalty after a pit lane infringement, Pye's day looking difficult early on.
Lap 12, Tim Slade leads by twelve seconds, his No.26 Penrite Racing mustang tuned up and gelling with the weather - his co-driver Kai Allen sitting in the garage watching on.
Lap 15, the field find their groove - finals entries still at the forefront focus for most of the field.
Rookie co-driver Jarrod Hughes in car No.9 pushes ahead, taking second off of Reuben Goodall in car No.55 on Lap 16 - Hazelwood now in twentieth position.
Lap 20, Goodall slides off, losing positions to Fabian Coulthard, Richie Stanaway, and Hughes - Goodall now sits in fifth as the rain comes down.
Lap 23, the rain strengthens - Davison tries to make a move for fifth - he and Goodall battle hard, the No.19 Penrite Racing on its way to an impressive redemption drive.
Same lap, the first pit stop window begins with Holdsworth, serving his 15-second penalty and grabbing four new tyres - right hand front corner, race tape repair was complete after a visible crack in the front splitter.
Lap 25, the leader, Slade slides around - water at play as tyres begin to wear - he still remains in the lead. Multiple cars go off after heavy downpur begins, Tony D'Alberto in car No.38 goes into the gravel trap and hits the concrete barrier - the Shannons Safety Car making its way out as D'Alberto gets out of the gravel trap and back on track. A free pit stop available for many, Slade comes in and takes four new tyres and a sip of fuel.
All but Goodall have taken their first pit stop of the race as thunder rumbles above The Bend. Goodall races around to get into the pit, his team avoiding a double stack.
Lap 27, the Shannons Safety Car is struggling to see where it is, predictions and chatter break out on the radio; many believing the race will be red flagged.
Lap 29, the Shannons Safety Car is believed to hang on track until the front of the downfall has moved on, the cars helping to disperse the water laying on the track; making it safe to race again shortly.
More unwanted drama for Hazelwood, Lap 31 he goes under investigation with stewards - an alleged speeding occurring heading into pit lane.
Green racing returns on Lap 33, Slade and Stanaway fight for position, everyone making it through with very low visibility - except for Percat; big rear right damage for car No.88. A fretful experience if Feeney had not locked in his finals entry last round.
Lap 34, David Russell in car No.31 has had a spin - the field not getting any calmer.
Stewards put the icing on the cake for car No.17, issuing Hazelwood a 15-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane.
Lap 35, Percat brings the current championship leader's car in - the No.88 Red Bull Ampol Racing mustang looking damaged badly; the rim seemingly stuck on the right rear. Percat was caught up in contact, an innocent bystander resulting in a confirmed broken toe-link. Hopes remain high as they begin the repair.
Lap 37, Slade loses the lead at Turn 1 - an unforced error, allowing Coulthard to slip through and gain some momentum; rain now falling again.
Lap 38, Percat comes back out of pit lane, roughly four laps behind. Entering the track on the grass, slow and steady as he attempts to stay out of harms way - his day looking more than difficult.
Lap 39, Turn 8 Stanaway looks racey in the No.7 Cool Drive mustang, eager to get moves done and make his way forward from fourth position. The battle between Stanaway and Harri Jones continues, through to the start of Lap 40.
Stanaway pushes forward, H.Jones needing to switch to defensive driving as Davison approaches to the rear of car No.4.
Lap 41, stewards have issued a drive-through penalty from the contact from Zak Best on Percat earlier on, resulting in some heavy damage.
Davison sees a door open in the wet, the No.4 Chevrolet Camaro teasing the No.19 Penrite Racing mustang; Jones looks to be feeling the pressure, Davidson complaining of the water spray, resulting in poor visibility and major frustrations.
Lap 44, Davison comes onto the radio to express worries of an engine issue; he suggests it feels tight and like something is wrong. The team did their best to calm the nerves and begin investigating the data. Further up the grid, Coulthard steps into aquaplaning territory, expertly managing the excess water on track.
Lap 46, the Shannons Safety Car makes its way back out due to extreme weather; many teams coming in to get their second stops, a sip of fuel and new tyres, while some are set to serve their penalties - Hazelwood now in the pit lane to potentially serve his drive through penalty.
Davison gets confirmation no data looks out of sorts, and that everything looks normal - however, the team have said not to keep speaking on the radio after complaining about a lack of horsepower. Fears begin to swirl due to past engine issues at Penrite Racing over the season.
Majority of co-drivers are still on track, however Payne and Kostecki look to be getting ready to hop into the cockpit. Luck may be on Percat and Feeney's side, the stewards advising that a wave by will be completed by Lap 54, enabling Percat and others pivotal time to catch the pack and un-lap themselves.
Lap 49 the track goes green, Slade coming under fire from Hughes - an almost crash for Slade as he gets caught by either excess water on the track, aquaplaning, or potential contact. Holdsworth goes off track due to track conditions, yet again.
Rookie Hughes leads the race, behind him looking like a four-way battle as visibility looks next to impossible.
Lap 52, Goodall is facing the wrong way at Turn 9, waiting until the field have passed him to spin it around the right way, now in last.
Shannons Safety Car comes back out on Lap 53 due to extreme weather conditions - pit stops coming more regular as the co-driver stint closes for the race.
Lap 55, eleven cars make their way into pit lane, double stacks looking likely for most teams. Driver swaps begin, main-game drivers getting buckled in and taking off.
Lap 58 racing goes green at Tailem Bend, the field easily snapping back into race mode and chaos breaking out again.
Nash Morris in the No.777 Chevrolet Camaro spins and narrowly misses Lowndes in a close-call, replays show.
Stewards have imposed a 15-second time penalty to the No.15 Chevrolet Camaro for a driving infringement.
A wobble on Lap 61 from Jaxon Evans in the No.2 Toyota Supra, Kai Allen pushing down the inside and taking third position.
Lap 62, a curb slide was every man for themselves for car No.10, Zach Bates holding his Chevrolet Camaro steady and remaining on track.
Lap 65, Ben Gomersall gets spun around as blue skies start to appear, the risk of the track drying out looking likely. Erebus rookie, Lachie Dalton has a wobble, Allen pushing and taking the second position. Waters looks to have a moment, now sitting in seventeenth. Payne could be held accountable for the awkward on-track moment.
Lap 70, Kostecki comes into the lane with an engine overheating issue; the team treating it with hot soapy water, the No.17 Shell V Power mustang sent back out, sitting in twenty-third. Many of the Ford Mustangs look to be struggling with engine heat.
Stewards issued a 15-second time penalty to car No.19, Payne, after earlier contact with Waters.
Lap 75, Cooper Murray switches with Lachie Dalton in car No.99 - the team putting slicks on the Chevrolet Camaro; the first of the field to do so.
Lap 77, Hughes comes in and switches with Jobe Stewart in can No.9, the team putting slick tyres, following suit with Murray - even with the doubts of lost time; roughly ten seconds per lap.
Lap 79, Brown goes side-by-side with Stanaway, getting the move done and into fourth position - up ahead, Mostert leads the field. Evans makes his way past Allen, taking second position as the mid way of the race comes and goes.
Lap 84, Percat and Feeney switch over, the No.888 Red Bull Ampol Racing mustang taking slick tyres, looking eager to make up the last remaining lap down for them.
Lap 86, Courtney makes his way out of the car, switching with David Reynolds - the pair the most experienced combo in the Enduro Cup this season. Courtney will be glad to be out of the car.
Lap 87, Brown serves his accumulated 30-second time penalty, the stillness surely painful for Pye and Brown.
Lap 88, Allen and Ojeda battle for third, the No.777 Chevrolet Camaro making his way past the No.26 Penrite Racing mustang as the sun comes out.
After Payne served his penalty, he looks to have had a very close almost on pit lane exit, while Lap 90 sees Jackson Walls take a slide through the gravel trap and onto the grass. A left front tyre lock up after contact with a wet patch on the track.
Lap 92, a gaggle of four cars look very eager, Brown in on the action, making some moves, placing him in eleventh. Meanwhile, Kostecki argues back on the radio suggesting some colourful language and insisting he's driving as quick as he can - he currently sits in seventh and still on wet tyres.
Lap 93, Walkinshaw TWG Racing teammates are in a dry-line battle for first, Wood looking for a move behind Mostert. Wood currently has eight more laps of fuel to put in for the remaining stint, yet still looks to be pushing his teammate.
Lap 98, Waters on Cam Hill looked to be rough, each fighting for twenty-first position.
Lap 100, Brown has a slide on a white line that unravels chaos; through the grass and on the track in front of Anton De Pasquale upon re-entry.
Brown didn't let his chase for eighth die with his adventures off track - a short lived battle as Le Brocq heads into the pit lane.
Lap 102, Bates complains on the radio, asking when to come in for a pit stop - he is told to stay out due to Payne's menacing speed behind.
Lap 104, Randle makes very light contact with the rear of Stewart's No.9 Chevrolet Camaro - Randle's braking from Turn's 2 and 3 set him up for a spin; losing four positions total after heading onto the wet side of the track in attempt to look for an available passing opportunity.
Lap 107 sees Bates get very heated on the radio with his engineer; "You do the engineering and figure it out!". A very out of character moment for the young gun in the No.10 Chevrolet Camaro; he's currently in eighth position.
Lap 112, Mostert still leads and is beggining to pick through the pack, lapping each and extending his race lead, Wood now behind by +8.029.
Wood triggers the final round of stops on Lap 114; majority of the field have completed four or five pit stops, with eleven drivers sitting on three completed pit stops.
Lap 117, Brown chases down Golding for fourth position - their battle looking heated as Bayley Hall defends hard ahead of Golding, Hall a blue flag car. The two come side-to-side, Brown pushing through while Golding is occupied.
Macauley Jones has gone off on the exit of Turn 5, losing some body work on the track; critical for this point of the race - debris boarding the racing line.
Gomersall has been sent off on Lap 119, Bates assisting the No.5 Unit Racing mustang; Gomersall covered in mud, entering the track in nineteenth position.
Lap 121, Feeney comes into the pit lane for a front anti-rollbar adjustment; the No.88 Red Bull Ampol Racing effectively last. As it stands, Feeney has lost his Drivers' Championship lead.
Lap 122, Hall remains battling in fifteenth; while Golding, the car he's attempting to fight, is in third position. A chat very likely after the race.
Lap 127, Allen takes to the pit lane, taking a short refuel and tyres; Allen does his best to warm the Dunlop tyres about +4.092 seconds ahead of Wood, his direct competition.
Race Control announced over the radio that Race 29 will be time finished instead of the full 147 laps, with roughly sixteen minutes remaining until the chequered flag due to sunset; acting as a reminder for the teams.
Payne is in a battle sandwich; in between Waters and Brown - the No.19 takes fifth position as Waters fires off into pit lane; Brown attempts to locate a way past.
Thirteen minutes of the time constraint, Brown remains close to the rear of Payne; the pair catching up to Ojeda, roughly a second and a half behind.
Mostert goes into the pit lane with twelve minutes remaining, hoping to get roughly ten seconds of fuel; a sip to make it to the end of the race - four new slick tyres, and a beautifully done pit stop for the reigning Supercars Champion.
Ten minutes remaining, Turn 11 looks to be a three-way battle, Brown close to the rear of Payne - Ojeda looking very defensive. Payne goes down the inside; hip and shoulders Ojeda at Turn 3 as Will Brown sticks to the rear of Payne.
The incident between cars No.19 and No.31 has been noted, and has the potential to be investigated - a likely penalty could be on its way for Payne; however Ojeda's garage is keen to press on and see out the remaining six minutes of the race.
With four minutes to go, stewards have issued a 5-second time penalty to Payne in car No.19, which will be added to his race time after the chequered flag; this should place him to seventh position, behind Ojeda.
Three minutes remaining, and Fraser's No.777 Chevrolet Camaro is parked on the grass across from pit straight, commentary not mentioning anything about the unmoving race car; with fifty-nine seconds remaining, it's confirmed Fraser's Chevrolet Camaro has lost oil pressure.
As the time constraint ends, one final lap remains; marking Lap 141 the last lap - Mostert leads by +18.109, ahead of Allen in the speedy No.26 Penrite Racing mustang and his teammate Wood in the No.2 Toyota Supra; today marking a first long stint won in a Toyota.
In just four weeks, the Supercars paddock head to Bathurst for the annual Repco Bathurst 1000, taking place on October 8-11th.
Cameron Waters and Brodie Kostecki have been confirmed for finals after their performances today.
After the time certain finish, fears broke out regarding Blanchard Racing Team's entrants, cars No.7 and No.3; the team are facing a likely double disqualification, however this is yet to be confirmed by Supercars.
Due to the time certain finish implemented by Race Control, instead of the full 147 laps, the field only hit 141. Golding has not met the required 54 lap minimum, his co-driver Stanaway completed 94 laps; a very long stint and now looks to be quite a risky strategy. This duo will lose their seventh position finish if they are to be disqualified.
The same fate follows for Aaron Cameron; he falls just shy of the 54 lap minimum required as well, courtesy to Zak Best completing a long run. Car No.3 only made 137 laps over Race 29 due to time spent in the garage fixing damages. Although the Cameron and Best duo essentially came last, and four laps down, this will make a bad weekend even worse for the team as whole.
The Results
Mostert / Coulthard
Allen / Slade
Wood / Evans
Brown / Pye
Ojeda / Russell
Payne / Davison
Golding / Stanaway
De Pasquale / Holdsworh
Heimgartner / Fullwood
Gray / D'Alberto
Le Brocq / Jones
Randle / Goodall
Bates / Seton + 1 Lap
Lowndes / Hall + 1 Lap
Waters / Winterbottom + 1 Lap
Stewart / Hughes + 1 Lap
Kostecki / Hazelwood + 1 Lap
Hill / Vaughan + 1 Lap
Murray / Dalton + 1 Lap
Walls / Perkins + 1 Lap
Jones / Boys + 1 Lap
Gomersall / Logan + 1 Lap
Reynolds / Courtney + 2 Laps
Feeney / Percat + 3 Laps
Cameron / Best + 4 Laps
Fraser / Morris DNF
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