Percat: Adelaide result better than Bathurst win

Nick Percat has labelled Walkinshaw Andretti United’s Race 33 one-two as better than his 2011 Bathurst win.

Percat trailed Chaz Mostert in a one-two for WAU in the VALO Adelaide 500 opener.

It was Mostert’s first Adelaide win, WAU’s 188th for Holden and Percat’s first podium of the season.

Percat benefited from a smart strategy play to force himself into contention.

The 34-year-old held on to claim his first podium since rejoining the Walkinshaw fold.

To Adelaide, it had been a miserable year for Percat, who had 10 top 10s in 32 starts to Adelaide.

For Percat — a proud South Australian — the result proved more satisfying than his 2011 Great Race victory.

11 years ago, a 23-year-old Percat watched on as Garth Tander brought home a Bathurst win.

“It’s amazing,” Percat said.

“Credit to the team, they never lost any faith.

“Chaz has been the most amazing teammate — chips have been down, and last night, he picked me up.

“It’s not a rivalry between us, we want one-twos for the team.

“Absolutely amazing in front of a home crowd.

“I said if I got on the podium, I said it’d probably be better than the Bathurst win.

“I wasn’t actually driving the car… a one-two with these liveries, it’s better.”

Mostert and Percat brought home the result in 1990 Holden Racing Team liveries.

WAU is running the livery in tribute to Holden, which departs Supercars after this weekend.

Mostert and Percat will race Mustangs in 2023 as WAU switches to Ford.

“To farewell Holden, in a one-two, in these liveries.. they're what I used to watch as a kid,” Percat said.

“I loved the team, and HRT… the car was fast, not quite as fast as Chaz.

“Wizard strategy, pitted an extra time under Safety Car… it was about looking after the tyres at the end."

Mostert closed to 91 points behind second-placed Cam Waters, with Percat jumping to 15th.

Cars will return on Sunday for ARMOR ALL Qualifying at 11:00am local time.

The 12:05pm Shootout will complete the grid for the 2:45pm Race 34.