The race for the Supercars Finals has heated up following a dramatic opening Ryco Enduro Cup round at The Bend.
While the top eight drivers have confirmed their Finals qualification, two spots remain and a timely podium has strengthened a driver’s chances of locking in his spot.
Despite worries surrounding the reliability of the Toyota GR Supras approaching the opening Ryco Enduro Cup round of the season, these were unfounded as Walkinshaw TWG Racing’s pair of entries finished on the podium.
Chaz Mostert locked in his spot after taking victory alongside Kai Allen and Anton De Pasquale, who also locked in their appearances.
Mostert’s teammate Ryan Wood was in a more precarious position, but a timely podium at The Bend 500 has almost assured he will be participating in Finals action.
Four spots were already confirmed prior to the Ryco Enduro Cup for Ford drivers Broc Feeney, Matt Payne, Brodie Kostecki and Cam Waters, while Allen was all but confirmed entering The Bend.
Interest now turns to the other end of the top 10 where there’s a logjam of drivers battling for the last Finals spot.
This is currently held by Matt Stone Racing’s Jack Le Brocq by just 62-points ahead of Brad Jones Racing driver Andre Heimgartner.
Pressure not only comes from Heimgartner, with Monster Castrol Racing’s Thomas Randle just a further point behind.
Rookie Jayden Ojeda’s fifth place has elevated him to just 70-points behind Le Brocq.
The biggest loser from The Bend is James Golding after being disqualified from the race and he has dropped from 10th to 14th and is 87-points in arrears of Le Brocq heading to Bathurst.
With 300-points on offer at the Mountain, the Finals race adds another dimension to Australia’s Great Race.