Why De Pasquale was the biggest winner from Townsville
Anton De Pasquale jumped back into top 10 courtesy of Townsville speed
Team 18 driver reached podium for second time in as many rounds
De Pasquale highest non-Triple Eight Chevrolet driver in standings
Speaking upon the news of Anton De Pasquale's move to Team 18 last year, Dick Johnson Racing Team Principal Dr Ryan Story believed his outgoing driver had an opportunity to "show everyone what he’s got” at his new digs.
Story's words seem to be ringing true as the Finals Series approaches, with De Pasquale firming as a serious contender in the post-season.
After a post-New Zealand lull, De Pasquale looks to be peaking at the right time as Team 18 looks to justify General Motors' decision to appoint the Charlie Schwerkolt-owned squad as its homologation team.
The #18 DEWALT Camaro driver kicked off 2025 with seven straight top eight finishes, before pit troubles (New Zealand), contact with Cooper Murray (Tasmania) and mechanical issues (Perth) cost him ground.
De Pasquale was fifth for the round at last weekend's NTI Townsville 500, scoring a podium in the Friday sprint. The Victorian backed up his Darwin podium with Townsville speed, also scoring a brace of P6 finishes in the 200km races.
Year on year, the results paint a vastly different picture for De Pasquale, who was inconsistent in his final season with DJR. Currently seventh, he sat 14th in the championship after Townsville last July.
What's more, is De Pasquale is also the highest ranked non-Triple Eight Race Engineering Chevrolet driver in the championship, and even earned praise from Mark Skaife over his aggression on track.
One position behind DJR recruit Brodie Kostecki and 262 ahead of former teammate Will Davison, De Pasquale is so far proving he has made the right decision, as has GM.
It's also now beginning to show across both Team 18 cars, with David Reynolds claiming a shock pole position for the second race, before racing to 10th, all achieved despite Reynolds nursing ill health.
Speaking after his Friday podium, De Pasquale said: "Everyone's doing a good job, there are a lot of new people at the team, including myself.
"We're learning the package every day. Every week, we feel a bit stronger, more confident. We're rolling out of the truck stronger every time.
"That's building and building, and that takes time. Obviously it's been half a year, so you want to be hittinf your strides yesterday, and I feel like we're doing that well."
2025 Supercars Finals Focus: Anton De Pasquale
Championship position at end of each round, difference to 10th
Round | Position | Pts to 10th |
|---|---|---|
Sydney | 7th | +42 |
Melbourne | 7th | +67 |
Taupō | 8th | +3 |
Tasmania | 12th | -46 |
Perth | 12th | -45 |
Darwin | 10th | - |
Townsville | 7th | +67 |
