{"id":474299,"date":"2026-02-12T04:19:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T04:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/474299\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T04:19:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T04:19:14","slug":"supercars-news-supercars-rookie-backs-key-change-at-the-bend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/474299\/","title":{"rendered":"Supercars news: Supercars rookie backs key change at The Bend"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Supercars
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJobe Stewart testing at The Bend: Image: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park.<\/p>\n

Supercars has opted for a major shake-up for the second running of the 500-kilometre enduro at The Bend, moving it from the International layout to the shorter, punchier West version<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stewart got a good taste of the West layout Monday last week when he completed the first of his allocated rookie test days with Erebus Motorsport.<\/p>\n

Having starred at The Bend 500 as a co-driver back in September, Stewart is well placed to debate the merits of both layouts \u2013 and left Tailem Bend confident Supercars has made a good choice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI quite enjoyed it to be honest,\u201d he told Speedcafe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt kind of just breaks up the track because on the International, it is a fun layout, but everything\u2019s kind of sweeping and the tyres don\u2019t really get a break.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it was nice that you got that tight little hairpin, and then there\u2019s a little right-left flowy section after that\/<\/p>\n

Limited edition Full Credit Papaya Rules & Race Day Sunday merch drops now live! Click here to shop.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a nice change and it sets up a good passing opportunity off that fast left to dive down the inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to see how it goes for racing, but I think it was pretty positive after doing some laps around there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bend test was also a shakedown of sorts for Stewart as he steps into a different chassis than the one campaigned by Jack Le Brocq at the end of last season.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stewart completed a rookie day on the West circuit. Image: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park<\/p>\n

With some damage from Adelaide discovered in the Le Brocq chassis, Stewart will make his full-time debut aboard the ex-Cooper Murray car that became the spare after Murray\u2019s crash in Tasmania.<\/p>\n

Erebus will bring a new chassis online after the New Zealand double-header this year with no set decision on whether that will go to Murray or Stewart.<\/p>\n

The outing was also Stewart\u2019s first time working with Daniel Frenchman, who arrives from Garry Rogers Motorsport\u2019s Trans Am program and replaces Barry Ryan as race engineer on the #9 Camaro<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cDan was awesome,\u201d said Stewart. \u201cHe\u2019s very switched on. He hasn\u2019t done a lot in Supercars but he\u2019s done plenty with other cars, so it was good to have some of his knowledge, and then also learn from some of our guys.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it was all about sharing knowledge on the test day, and learning how each other work, and just trying to extract the most performance out of each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite this being his rookie season, Stewart has set his sights on the lofty target of being a Finals contender.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to try for finals in my first season,\u201d said Stewart. \u201cWe saw that with Kai [Allen] last year, so there\u2019s no reason why not.<\/p>\n

\u2018Me and Cooper were quick at The Bend in Bathurst last year, so hopefully, as a pairing, we can help continue to push the team forward, and in the sprint rounds, and not just enduros.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s definitely achievable, as long as we don\u2019t have any horror rounds. We need to stay consistent and try and be there at the end.\u201d<\/p>\n


\"\"\/
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