V8 drivers share tales from the racetrack

Holden V8 Supercar heroes Shane Van Gisbergen, Garth Tander, Craig Lowndes, Declan Fraser and Broc Feeney shared insights into a typically dramatic 2022 Bathurst 1000 during Village Motors’ Trade Night yesterday.

The event, held at Village Motors’ North Lakes dealership attracted more than 150 trade customers who were able to hear from the drivers during a candid on-stage Q&A session.

It follows a dramatic 2022 Bathurst 1000, which saw Shane Van Gisbergen and Garth Tander crowned Kings of the Mountain.

When asked what was going through his mind during the last 8-10 laps, Tander says the challenge started earlier than that for him.

“The hardest part was 20 laps to go when the safety car went green. I didn’t know how fast it was going to be and I pushed on and made a small gap. That’s when I knew we were going to be OK,” he explained.

“It’s quite hard to pass in these cars, so really I just had to drive to the end with no mistakes and concentrate. It’s pretty easy to lose concentration when you know what’s at the end of the race.

“I got to the end it was pretty awesome.”

Tough start to special win

Tander said this win was special but it was tough start to the race with the trickiest conditions he’s experienced at Mount Panorama.

New Zealand driver Van Gisbergen said he and Tander worked well together and ‘for an Aussie, he doesn’t complain very much’.

Lowndes offered in insight into how he and Fraser prepared for heavy rain at this year’s Bathurst 1000, which was Fraser’s debut in the great race.

So, what instructions did he offer?

“To get in the car,” Lowndes said.

He also told the young gun to use all of his experience while embracing and enjoying the race, while remaining mindful of his own first time around the mountain.

When asked what he learned, Fraser said it was great to have someone like Lowndes to mentor him and take him through his first Bathurst.

He also enjoyed interacting with racing fans at the event.

“I was so cool to have that experience … it was a very special moment for me as well,” he said.

Fraser said Bathurst, in which their car finished eighth, had been the highlight of his year.

Fellow young gun Broc Feeney, who had been tasked with replacing co-driver and Team Principal Jamie Whincup at Red Bull Ampol Racing, was grateful to have finished fifth in his second Bathurst 1000.

He recalled the trying conditions and the real possibility the car would not finish with crashes and near misses in practice and early in the race.

First of many nights

Village Motors Trade Parts Representative Marty Robinson said the event, which was the first of its kind for Village Motors, was a huge success and there were now plans to hold one each year.

It was a chance to thank loyal trade customers who not only heard from the V8 Supercar drivers, but also learnt more about AC Delco products which are becoming well-known.

Marty said hearing tales straight from Bathurst was a highlight for his customers and having the chance to meet the drivers and get memorabilia signed was special.

“I had one customer who said it was a bucket list moment for him. To have that feedback from such a simple event, to be so meaningful to someone is great,” he said.

“They got to hear what Bathurst is like firsthand rather than through a commentator, hearing that experience from the drivers. I’ve been in the industry for 26 years and have never heard the drivers speak like that.

“We’re very happy with the outcome from the night and happy to see so many happy faces. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.”

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Photos by Dominika Lis