Winterbottom to carry #600 for milestone race

Mark Winterbottom will carry the #600 on his DEWALT Racing Chevrolet Camaro for his 600th Supercars start this weekend.

Winterbottom will become the third driver in Supercars history to make his 600th race start at this weekend’s Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint.

The 2015 champion joins Craig Lowndes and Garth Tander in the ‘600 club’.

A sticker on the rear-quarter panel of the DEWALT Camaro has also been applied, paying tribute to Winterbottom’s milestone race.

"I go to Perth trying to get a result. That’s what I go there for,” he said.

"But, I think we've got a good opportunity. We're going okay at the moment and I think as the year goes on we're going to get better and better.

“I'm also aware that, 600 race starts is something I'm pretty proud of.

"To be in the game for such a long time and have people believe in you, sponsors, team owners, and the crew around you and all that sort of side is a pretty special moment.

“I'll be very grateful when that 600th race starts, but I'll enjoy it even more if we get a good result."

In 599 starts, Winterbottom has won 38 times, his most recent victory coming at Pukekohe in 2016.

Winterbottom won all 38 races with Ford Performance Racing/Prodrive, which now runs under the Tickford banner.

The Western Sydney made his debut in the 2003 enduros for Stone Brothers Racing, the year he won the development series title for the team.

He was recruited by Mark Larkham for the main game in 2004, and joined FPR in 2006, where he remained until joining Team 18 in 2019.

With FPR, Winterbottom won the 2013 Bathurst 1000 and 2015 drivers’ championship.

'Frosty is a champion of the sport'

Winterbottom has also taken 117 podiums and 36 pole positions.

Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt was proud to help 'Frosty' celebrate his historic race.

“Frosty is a champion of the sport, and we're thrilled to celebrate his 600th race start with this special addition to the DEWALT livery for such a significant occasion,” Schwerkolt said.

“Frosty’s longevity in the sport is a testament to his talent, attitude and passion for the sport, and his experience and insight have served us well to strengthen the team.

“He has adapted to the new generation of Supercars so well straight out of the gate, and we know there’s more to come from him into the future.”

Winterbottom is 12th in the drivers' standings heading to Western Australia, where he has won seven races.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint on April 28-30.