Supercheap Auto Racing has made an encouraging start to the 2026 Bathurst 1000, with Craig Lowndes and Bayley Hall completing Thursday’s opening practice sessions aboard the No. 15 Team 18 prepared Chevrolet Camaro.

Lowndes finished 22nd in Practice 1 with a best lap of 2:07.8833, before Hall placed 11th in the afternoon’s co-driver-only session with a 2:06.5724.

The opening day marked Hall’s first laps of Mount Panorama in a Supercar, with the rookie also balancing his wildcard duties with his Super2 commitments across the weekend.

Hall focused on learning the flow across the top of the Mountain and understanding the balance between risk and reward, while adapting between the Gen3 Camaro and his Gen2 Super2 car.

Despite the differences between the two cars, Hall enjoyed the challenge and felt both were close to their operating window, with further work needed to find the pace to challenge the top of the times.

Lowndes was encouraged by the Camaro’s handling from the outset, reporting a comfortable car that was particularly strong across the top of the Mountain.

Both drivers left Thursday’s running with a positive outlook, with Hall building valuable experience and Lowndes describing the car as one of the most comfortable he has driven so early in a Bathurst weekend.

Friday’s action begins with Practice 3 at 10:05am, followed by Practice 4 at 1:15pm and Qualifying at 4:10pm AEDT. All the action can be viewed live on Channel 7, Fox Sports and Kayo.

RESULTS & QUOTES

Craig Lowndes, Primary Driver – No. 15 Supercheap Auto Racing Chevrolet Camaro

Practice 1: P22 (2:07.8833)
Practice 2: P11 (2:06.5724)

“Actually a really positive day. First time on track, you never know what you’re going to expect. The track’s always a little dusty and green.

“But I’ve got to say the car was really nice to drive across the top of the Mountain, which was a pleasant surprise. I think we had to make some adjustments just to get a little bit more rotation. Had a little bit more understeer than I wanted, but it was a car that you were comfortable in, easy to drive.

“It gave you everything you needed, but obviously to go faster, we just need to sharpen it up. But a positive start to the weekend.

“For a long time, I haven’t had a car that’s been so nice so early in the weekend.”

Bayley Hall, Co-Driver – No. 15 Supercheap Auto Racing Chevrolet Camaro

“First laps of Bathurst in a Supercar was pretty mental. Had a lot of fun, a lot of laps. Biggest thing was just learning that flow across the top of the Mountain, knowing what risk is worth taking for what reward, and jumping between the Gen3 and Gen2 was awesome fun. A lot of differences, but then also still a lot of similarities.

“I’ll be adapting pretty quickly and the track will be changing, so it’ll be an awesome challenge. I’m looking forward to it.

“Both cars seem to be close to the window, but still a little bit of work to get them to the front few rows pace. Still not too bad for a rookie, so I’ll keep chipping away at it.

“Still only one day down out of four, so there’s a long way to go.”