Kiwi Supercars driver Richie Stanaway is hoping he can turn his season around this weekend as he aims to stand atop the Bathurst 1000 podium once again.
The great Australian event starts this Sunday with Stanaway hoping to defend his title in the 161-lap race at the Mount Panorama Circuit.
Stanaway said he hasn't had the season he would've liked but is optimistic heading into one of the last race meets of the year.
“It’s been a tough season but every round we've been developing, learning and progressing," Stanaway said. "I feel like this weekend it would be great to have a turning point in my season at the biggest race of the year. We’re putting in everything we can to try and have a good result this weekend.”
The 32-year-old hasn't had much success in Supercars this season for Penrite, and currently sits 18th in the Supercars standing and achieved his best result of the season in race one at the Bathurst 500.
“It’s tough but if it was easy, everyone would be a champion. There can only be one every year, so that’s what makes it such a tough sport."
The Kiwi has lacked the consistency needed to warrant another signing on for another season with his team. His team Grove Racing announced earlier this year that Stanaway would not be staying on for another season and would announce a new driver for the No. 26 car "in due course".
"My future is not secure for next year but I’m working really hard to be on the grid, and I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learnt this year hopefully into another campaign in 2025."
Last year, Stanaway — alongside fellow Kiwi teammate Shane van Gisbergen — managed to become just the second all-Kiwi team to win the famous race after Greg Murphy and Steven Richards win in 1999.
However, the Kiwi duo will not be defending their title together as van Gisbergen completed a move to the US to compete in NASCAR. Stanaway will instead be joining forces with Australian Dale Wood.
Stanaway will still be in company of another Kiwi driver in the form of Matt Payne, who is having an impressive year behind the wheel of Penrite Racing's No. 19 car.
Stanaway had a lot of praise for his Kiwi teammate and said Payne has proved to be a potential future star of the sport.
The 22-year-old currently sits fifth in the Supercars standings and will compete in his third Bathurst this weekend alongside his co-driver Garth Tander.
Payne said he's pleased with how he's performed in just his second Supercars season.
"We’ve had some really high points, but also some really low points as well," said Payne. "It's been tough to ride the wave but we’ve had some good results along the way."
The highlight for the young Kiwi being a race win at the Townsville 500 alongside two pole positions, including one at Taupo in April.
On-track action at Mount Panorama gets underway today with practice sessions ahead of qualifying on Saturday.
The main event is set to start at 1:30pm on Sunday.
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