NZ start, Bathurst finals for PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge

Can anybody topple five-time consecutive winner Brad Jones Racing? That is the question posed across pit lane this year as the PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge returns for 2024.

As part of Supercars' 27-year partnership with PIRTEK, the popular pit stop challenge will return this year, with the first timed round coming up at this weekend's ITM Taupō Super400.

PIRTEK is continuing as the Official Control Fuel and Air Hose Supplier of the Repco Supercars Championship in 2024, as well as naming rights partner for the PIRTEK Victory Lane and the renowned PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge.

This year, there will again be six preliminary rounds of the competition, with pit crews needing to be at their best over 12 races.

The PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge uses real in-race pit stop times to determine the four fastest and most consistent crews in pit lane who again will compete head-to-head live at the Repco Bathurst 1000 for $20,000 cash and the coveted Golden Rattle Gun Trophy.

This year’s PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge Finals, featuring the top four teams, will take place at the Repco Bathurst 1000.

PIRTEK’s first exposure to Supercars was the Bathurst 1000 victory supporting Stone Brothers Racing’s Jason Bright and Steve Richards in 1998.

PIRTEK supplies product lines to virtually every sector including medical, hospitality, automotive, transport, marine, forestry, power, defence, engineering, oil, gas, mining and motorsport.

Supercars General Manager – Commercial, Jamie Black, said: "We are delighted to continue our collaboration with PIRTEK once again this year. PIRTEK is a company that shares our passion for top-tier performance and groundbreaking innovation.

"In Supercars, where split-second decisions can determine victory, the quality of products like PIRTEK's becomes paramount. Their reliability has been a cornerstone of our sport for countless years, and we are thrilled to continue the PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge once again in 2024.

Robert Gatt, Chief Commercial Officer of PIRTEK, commented, "The PIRTEK Victory Lane and Pit Stop Challenge serve as exceptional platforms to showcase our products while honouring the skill and precision of Supercar pit crews.

"We eagerly anticipate another great competition as one of Supercars' most enduring partners.”

The Brad Jones Racing team has been the most dominant force in the PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge over recent years, winning five consecutive titles between 2019-2023.

Team owner Brad Jones said: "Our guys are as ready as ever for the PIRTEK Pitstop Challenge.

“This year has an extra level of complexity added to it as most events as its going to include the fuel drop time until we get to the final.

"Being the five-times winners, it goes without saying we have a target on our backs.

"Locking out the final last year was an incredible moment and a testament to the dedication and work our crew puts in throughout the season. They're a supportive group and Sam [Cosgrove, Chief Mechanic] has a great structure in place.

"It always means a lot to us as a team and me personally when we're able to clinch the title.

“The finals are probably one of my most nervous moments in the year and I'm excited to see what we can do in 2024.”

2024 PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge Schedule

This year, multiple races will decide which four (4) teams move onto the live finals. Click here to read the rules for the 2024 challenge.

The top four (4) Teams from the above Preliminary Races will compete in a live eliminator final at an event to be confirmed. The winner will receive the PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge Golden Rattle Gun and a cash prize.

PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge Previous Winners

2023 PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge Standings