Feeney hopeful rivals keep it clean in first stint

Broc Feeney is hopeful his fellow full-time stars of Supercars won't be "doing anything stupid" in the opening stint of the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Sunday's 161-lap classic will be the first Bathurst under the new rule which sees primary drivers start the race.

Main drivers managed to stay out of trouble at last month's Penrite Oil Sandown 500, before the race unraveled with plenty of drama and five Safety Cars.

In recent years, most teams have opted to start the race with co-drivers, but from 2024, the spotlight will be on the big names. However, Feeney believes his rivals won't be taking risks early doors.

"It's such a long race," said Feeney, who will start from third.

"I don't think any of us are going to be doing anything stupid in that first stint. We'll settle into a rhythm and see who's got a fast car or not.

"It's an interesting one, obviously it's nice watching the co-drivers start, you can sit back and smooth into the race a bit later on.

"I'm sure it's probably been a while for most of us guys since we've started here, so it's going to be good fun.

"But I don't expect anything too crazy at the start."

Brodie Kostecki and Cam Waters will launch from the front row, with Feeney to start alongside reigning Bathurst winner Richie Stanaway.

Points leader Will Brown and Chaz Mostert have the most to lose, starting from fifth and ninth, with Feeney 222 points behind his teammate with 900 points left to win.

Feeney and Jamie Whincup are among the favourites for victory, but the 21-year-old is keeping his cards close to his chest: "It's anyone's game. We're all talking the same language.

"Whoever makes the least mistakes and has a fast race car is going to be lucky enough to stand up on that podium.

"We're all going to win tomorrow, so we'll see what happens."

All 26 Supercars will return to the track on Sunday for the Warm Up at 8:15am AEDT, with the 161-lap Race 20 to commence at 11:30am. Tickets for the Repco Bathurst 1000 are on sale now.