Mostert relieved by WAU turnaround in critical area

Chaz Mostert is relieved Walkinshaw Andretti United is starting to reap the rewards of its focus on unlocking the Super Soft tyre, which has previously caught the team out.

Mostert won the first Super Soft race of the 2025 season last time out in New Zealand, with the WAU star overhauling Brodie Kostecki to claim victory.

While Mostert said his car felt at its best during the longer Sunday race on the Soft tyre, it was his Race 9 victory which could prove critical to his 2025 hopes.

WAU struggled on the Super Soft last season; Mostert had an average qualifying result of 12.8 at Super Soft events in 2024, compared to a Soft average of 4.9.

At the first attempt on the Super Soft in 2025, Mostert qualified second and won the race.

WAU has quietly taken leaps on 2024, improving its degradation ranking so far this year compared to last year. Mostert was ranked 23rd last year, and is currently ranked 14th. Ryan Wood was ranked 24th last year, and is currently 18th.

While the Shell V-Power Racing Team was ranked first for race pace on the Super Soft in New Zealand, Mostert had the last laugh with a decisive victory.

The next step is stringing together a strong result for both cars. WAU is yet to have a race finish this year where both cars are inside the top eight. Conversely, Triple Eight has had seven, and Tickford Racing has had three.

Having had an early win with the Super Soft, which will be the primary tyre at this weekend's Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440, Mostert is now imploring his team to roll out strongly come Friday practice.

“We are back on the Super Soft for two races this weekend, a tyre we struggled on last year but we have put a big focus on it this year and the dividends have really paid off," the two-time Bathurst winner said.

“With the new sprint format we have cut down on practice times, it really means we need to roll out with a strong package to be in the mix.

“Qualifying around here is always pretty tight, one small mistake and you’re at the back of the field, it’s all about minimising mistakes and maximising opportunities.”

Mostert is fifth overall, 86 points behind leader and Triple Eight rival, Will Brown. Mostert's teammate Ryan Wood is 12th, 48 points from the top 10.

Track action in Tasmania commences Friday. Tickets on sale now.