ZACH Bates’ first crack at Bathurst in a Camaro this year will come six months before his rookie Supercars campaign reaches Great Race time.
Bates will tackle the 6 Hour on Easter weekend, sharing a Chevrolet production car with Chris Lillis and Josh Muggleton.
It’s the first time that two Camaros will feature in the 6 Hour – the other is being driven by Tony Quinn, Ryder Quinn and Grant Denyer – as General Motors and Ford lock horns for the A2 class honours.
Bates’ opportunity came about via Muggleton, the former Supercars Eseries racer who works at V-Sport Australia.
While Bates is familiar with Camaro Supercar equipment courtesy of Triple Eight last year and Matt Stone Racing this year, the production car version will be new territory for him.
“I think I’m just going to turn up and drive it,” he said.
“I’ve seen it, it looks like a good thing.
“It probably lacks a bit of straight-line compared to the BMW but we’re not in the same class, so hopefully we’re competitive.”
There is a degree of unfinished business at the event given that Bates suffered a weekend-ending crash prior to race start in the 2024 edition, but the Canberran is relaxed about the opportunity in waiting.
“It’s a pretty cruisy event and any laps at Bathurst is always fantastic,” he said, having also raced in this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour.
“It’s a good way to spend your Easter weekend and hopefully we’re in a competitive position.”
The Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour will be held across April 3-5.