MSR, Nulon Racing revel in best Bathurst finishes

The Repco Bathurst 1000 proved a moving weekend for Matt Stone Racing and Nulon Racing, with both Chevrolet squads recording their best Great Race results.

Two of youngest teams on the grid, MSR and Nulon Racing managed top 10 results on what proved a race of low attrition, with just two mechanical-related retirements recorded.

Jack Le Brocq/Jayden Ojeda raced the #34 Truck Assist Camaro from 15th to ninth, beating MSR’s previous best of 13th by Jake Kostecki/Kurt Kostecki in 2021.

The Cameron Hill/Jaylyn Robotham car started from pit lane after a clutch issue reared its head, with the #35 entry taking the chequered flag in 15th.

“We leave the Mountain wanting more but still with a bloody good result,” team owner Stone said. 

“A great finish for the team, two cars taking the chequered flag, two cars running strong all day, and a best-ever result for MSR. 

"Awesome way to finish off at the Mountain and looking forward to coming back next year and going one better."

Nulon Racing was on the money from the word go, with James Golding a stunning second in Friday qualifying before backing it up with fourth in the Top Ten Shootout.

The Golding/Dylan O’Keeffe entry ran in the top three in the opening laps, with O’Keeffe leading the field to green on the first Safety Car restart.

The #31 Nulon Chevrolet fought all day and dropped out of the top five, with Golding battling Chaz Mostert before crossing the line in 10th. It came after Golding/O’Keeffe finished 12th last year.

The sister car of Tim Slade/Jonathon Webb, complete in Movember livery, raced from 18th to 13th. Critically, Nulon Racing’s efforts moved the team to seventh in the teams’ championship.

"I couldn’t be more proud of our drivers and our crew for their commitment and dedication across the entire day and the entire weekend,” Team Manager Stephen Robertson said. 

“While of course we encountered some challenges, our drivers kept their noses clean and put in really consistent and strong performances on the track all race long.

“In the pit lane our crew were faultless on their pit stops – so much so that they were even praised by the commentary team – and neither car suffered any mechanical issues which in a race as gruelling as this, is something to be proud of. 

“This is a personal best result for our team here at the Great Race, and spurs us on to the pointy end of the season."