Michael Gooderham
Updated on: October 13, 2024 4:54 pm GMT
Chaz Mostert and Broc Feeney found their international racing ventures to be filled with obstacles this past weekend, as both Australian Supercars stars faced tough challenges in their GT3 appearances in the United States and Europe. With the Bathurst 1000 fast approaching, their latest races provided crucial lessons in perseverance and team dynamics.
Tough Race for Mostert at Indianapolis
Mostert joined forces with Kenny Habul and Jordan Love at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the GTD Pro class during the six-hour Battle on the Bricks. The SunEnergy1 Mercedes-AMG GT3 team had high hopes after showing promise in previous outings, including a notable class win at the 2023 Spa 24 Hours.
– Mostert’s team, however, faced an unexpected setback during the race when they were caught in a clash with another car.
– The incident involved Louis Deletraz, whose Acura side-swiped Mostert, forcing him off the track and into the grass.
Despite the mishap, Mostert managed to keep the car running and finished seventh overall. The incident gifted the final podium position to the Penske Porsche 963 team, who ended the race in third. Mostert’s seconds spent recovering from the collision placed him significantly behind the lead cars.
Race Highlights
– Mostert, Habul, and Love had been contenders for a podium finish.
– The bumps and bruises of endurance racing were evident, but Mostert’s experience showed through as he kept his team in the race.
Michael Christensen and Laurin Heinrich dominated the GTD Pro category for AO Racing, while the BMW M Team RLL captured a historic one-two finish with their M Hybrid V8s.
Feeney’s Tough Luck at Monza
Across the Atlantic at Monza, things took a different turn for Feeney. The Triple Eight driver teamed up with Al Faisal Al Zubair and Dominik Baumann to compete in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE). However, Feeney’s debut in this prestigious event was short-lived.
– The team faced a dramatic beginning as their Mercedes-AMG GT3 was involved in a collision just six laps into the race, forcing them to retire.
– Al Zubair was unable to navigate the first chicane successfully, leading to a crash that left the car damaged beyond repair.
Their DNF (Did Not Finish) result felt especially disheartening as it marked a challenging start to the weekend for Feeney. The outcome underscored the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where fortune can shift in an instant.
Historic Victory for Non-Pro Entry
In a surprising twist, the race was noteworthy for another reason. The victory went to the OQ by Oman Racing team, which claimed an overall win for a non-Pro entry, making history in the GT World Challenge Europe. This was a remarkable achievement, showcasing the depth and talent across the racing field.
Looking Ahead to Bathurst
After their international experiences, both Mostert and Feeney will return to Australia, where they will refocus on the upcoming Repco Bathurst 1000, scheduled for October 10-13. Both drivers find themselves trailing in points, 189 and 222 behind Will Brown, respectively.
– The Bathurst 1000 remains a premier event for these top contenders, and their recent races will likely influence their preparations.
– Both will look to bring the lessons learned from their overseas endeavors back to the Australian racing scene.
Fans are eager to see how the duo rebounds after their tough outings, especially with Bathurst’s reputation for unpredictability. The focus on teamwork, resilience, and strategy will be crucial as they gear up for one of the biggest races of the year.
Conclusion
Chaz Mostert and Broc Feeney recently faced some tough challenges while racing internationally, but they learned a lot about bouncing back and working together. Now, as they focus on the Australian Supercars Championship and the exciting Bathurst 1000 race coming up, both drivers are eager to use what they’ve learned to do well at home. This upcoming race is not just about getting another chance; it’s also a big opportunity for these skilled Australian drivers to shine.
