Why is Zach Bates trending in Australia?
Zach Bates is trending after claiming a shock pole position for the Bathurst 1000 in his first full-time season. Driving for Matt Stone Racing, the 22-year-old beat favorite Brodie Kostecki by nearly three tenths of a second during the Top Ten Shootout.
What happened
- Earlier
Bates won the 2024 DUNLOP Super2 Series title with Walkinshaw Andretti United [1].
- Earlier
Bates competed in a Triple Eight wildcard entry, finishing 10th at Bathurst alongside Craig Lowndes [1].
- Friday
Bates set the fastest time during qualifying sessions [2].
- Saturday
Bates secured the official race pole in the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout [1], [2].
What you need to know
Bates is only the third driver to get their first career pole at the Bathurst 1000, joining Mark Larkham and Craig Lowndes [2].
He is sharing the #10 Bendix Camaro with teammate Aaron Seton [1].
Jamie Whincup previously advocated for Bates to receive a wildcard drive [1].
Bates is currently competing in his first full-time Supercars campaign [2].
It is not confirmed how Bates and Seton will perform in the actual race following the pole position.
Background
The Bathurst 1000 is a major endurance race held at the Mount Panorama circuit. The Top Ten Shootout determines the final starting order for the top ten qualifiers [2].
Bates' achievement prevented Brodie Kostecki from setting a record of four consecutive Bathurst 1000 poles [2].
Questions people ask
Who is Zach Bates' teammate?
He is paired with Aaron Seton in the #10 Bendix Camaro [1].
Which team does Zach Bates drive for?
He is a rookie driver for Matt Stone Racing [1].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.