THE mind games are in full swing on the eve of the Repco Bathurst 1000, as an outcome on last-minute engine parity testing approaches.
V8 Sleuth understands barometric pressure testing has now been completed, allowing Supercars’ engine specialist Craig Hasted to be in transit to Mount Panorama today.
The topic of one-off adjustments to cater for altitude impact is back in the spotlight, just as it was last year, with Ford hoping for a tweak to its 5.4-litre Coyote. Whether or not Toyota’s 5.2-litre 2UR-GSE also warrants a change is currently a mystery.
Supercars is yet to communicate its final verdict.
“Obviously I made some pretty bold statements last year,” said Dick Johnson Racing Ford star Brodie Kostecki.
“I know a lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to rectify that going into this round, so I look forward to seeing what the results of that are – officially, that is – and see what changes need to be made to make sure all the manufacturers have an equal chance at winning the race on Sunday.”
Asked if the Blue Oval’s chances of conquering the Mountain hinge on a change being approved, Kostecki pointed back to last year’s Great Race and how it only came alive after “karma clouds” intervened.
“The first 60 laps it was really starting to become clear who was going to be the dominant manufacturer,” he said.
“I’m just looking forward to getting stuck into the weekend and just looking forward to the changes, hopefully they come in and we can all have an equal chance.”
Naturally David Reynolds, who drives for leading Chevrolet squad Team 18, had a different view.
“Based on their performance and the timesheets, it looks like they’re in a good spot,” he said of Ford, referring to the Mustang’s dominance throughout 2026.
Reynolds did though note how “Centre of Gravity makes a big difference in these cars” following a portion of ballast being taken off the Camaro.
He added, rather tellingly: “As long as I have been part of the sport, parity… it’s always not better, not worse.”
Opening practice for the Repco Supercars Championship field is scheduled for 1:30pm AEDT on Thursday.
The Bathurst 1000 Preview | The Undercut
IT’S the biggest show of the season – The Undercut is back, previewing the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000, with the V8 Sleuth Aaron Noonan joined in the studio by two of the stars of the big day – Jack Perkins and James Moffat.