Supercheap Auto Racing has completed its final preparations for the 2026 Bathurst 1000, with Craig Lowndes and Bayley Hall encouraged by improvements to the No. 15 Chevrolet Camaro ahead of Sunday’s Great Race.
Saturday’s two practice sessions focused on refining the race package, with both drivers feeling comfortable heading into the 161-lap event, which they will start from 22nd on the grid.
Hall completed 20 laps in the morning’s dedicated co-driver session, finishing 21st with a best time of 2:07.1946.
The pairing then recorded a further 23 laps in the final all-driver practice session, ending the afternoon in 18th with a fastest lap of 2:07.2097.
Lowndes said overnight changes had delivered a positive step forward, with the team benefiting from setup knowledge shared across Team 18’s three-car operation.
The seven-time Bathurst winner’s focus now turns to a clean opening stint, preserving the car and making the most of the team’s strengths as the race unfolds.
Hall again balanced his Supercheap Auto Racing commitments with his Super2 campaign, recording top-10 results in both Super2 qualifying and the race while continuing to build confidence in the Gen3 Camaro.
Preparing for his first Bathurst 1000 start, Hall is focused on staying out of trouble and keeping the wildcard in contention through to the final lap.
Sunday’s action kicks off with a Warm-Up at 8:30am AEDT followed by the Bathurst 1000 at 11:30am. All the action can be viewed live on Channel 7, Fox Sports and Kayo.
RESULTS & QUOTES
Craig Lowndes, driver – No. 15 Supercheap Auto Racing Chevrolet Camaro
Practice 5: P21 (2:07.1946)
Practice 6: P18 (2:07.2097)
“It was a really good day. My role over the last couple of days in practice has been to help build a nice race car, and I think we really improved it today. We unlocked a few things overnight, and having three cars is valuable for understanding setups.
“We’re both comfortable, and I’m feeling very comfortable in the car. Tomorrow is about getting away to a good, clean start and making the most of our strengths as a team.
“There’s no doubt the team thinks on its feet very well. We’ll look after the car, hand it over to Bayley and hopefully have a cracking race home.”
Bayley Hall, driver – No. 15 Supercheap Auto Racing Chevrolet Camaro
“It was a solid day with two practice sessions in the main game, plus another qualifying session and race in Super2. I was in the top 10 in both of those Super2 sessions, and I thought our race pace was quite solid.
“I’m feeling super comfortable in the Gen3 car and ready for as many laps as I get on Sunday. The Chevrolets are doing a good job, so we’ll have a look at what’s going on, what we can improve and get ready for a big day.
“It can be won from anywhere, so I’m looking forward to keeping our nose clean, being smart, staying away from the walls and being there for lap 161.”