Chaz Mostert couldn’t hide his disappointment from missing out on the top 10 shootout at Bathurst 1000.
But as he knows more than most, there are more ways to win at Mount Panorama than from the front row.
The speedster was a shock omission from the top 10 in Friday’s qualifying, falling just six hundredths of a second behind 10th-placed Garth Tander.
While Tickford Racing has one representative – seventh-fastest Cam Waters – team principal Tim Edwards said he was « gutted » to see Mostert miss out.
Mostert agreed.
« To be honest I’m pretty disappointed in my efforts out there. I was a bit flustered, » he said.
« There’s no excuses. I’m kicking myself.
« The car wasn’t too bad, it was driveable, and it honestly deserves to be in the top 10. That’s probably the most upsetting thing for myself. »
Mostert is one of 14 drivers in the 52-strong, 26-car field to have tasted victory in the Great Race.
The 26-year-old won on just his second trip to Bathurst in a Supercar, the sensational 2014 race that even veterans such as Jamie Whincup call their favourite edition of the 1000km classic.
With co-driver Paul Morris, Mostert surged from last place on the grid after being hit with a penalty for passing under red flag conditions in qualifying.
« I’ve never won this race before while competing in the shootout so we’ll see if it gives us any luck heading into the big one, » he said.
This year, he’s partnering with James Moffat, the man he shared a podium with in 2014.
He put a positive spin on missing the shootout, saying it allowed him to put the focus in practice on race set-ups and pace.
« Its probably not a bad thing, » he said.
« We’ve made the car better than it was on qualifying.
« Overall, everything seems to be running smoothly … as long as we have a good one and keep a straight car, I’ll be pretty happy.
« I’ll chill out and do some appearances and signings and meet some fans. »
http://www.espn.com/v8-supercars/story/_/id/24906156/mostert-upbeat-shootout-miss
