Co-drivers' starring roles offer possible 2026 preview

In one of the wildest editions of the Repco Bathurst 1000 that has ever been held, several co-drivers boosted their resumes with composed drives in treacherous conditions.

As detailed by Supercars.com's expert analyst Scott Sinclair, the entire co-driving cohort put in a fine display in incredibly tough conditions, for the most part keeping it clean as the heavens opened just past one third distance.

Arguably there were two standout co-drivers at Mount Panorama; namely Jayden Ojeda and Jobe Stewart.

Both were in cars that were cruelly denied victory despite being genuine threats throughout the day, Ojeda driving the #2 Mobil 1 Truck Assist Mustang alongside Ryan Wood, and Stewart driving the #99 Chiko Camaro alongside Cooper Murray.

Ojeda found himself in the thick of the action as the rains arrived, and found himself with the best seat in the house as Brodie Kostecki and Cam Waters engaged in all-out warfare in front.

Ojeda found himself promoted to second when Kostecki fired off at The Chase on lap 65, and kept a cool head when the #38 Shell V-Power Mustang launched back down the inside at Murray's Corner.

The 26-year-old, who is also a Mercedes-AMG Junior Driver in global GT3 competition, starred as the track continued to get wetter, building a massive 20 second lead by the time Wood jumped in for the run home.

However, their charge was abruptly halted by the rain, as water got into an engine sensor, taking the young Kiwi out of second with just 23 laps to go.

Wood offered the highest of praise to his co-driver, who has been widely touted for a long-awaited full-time drive next year, saying: "[He] put us in the position we were in today."

After a standout debut at The Bend, Stewart's stocks continued to rise with another superb drive against the primary drivers in the wet conditions.

Stewart's performance also left Murray in a position to challenge for victory, with Erebus looking odds on to defend their 2024 Bathurst crown despite a complete driver and engineer change.

It ultimately came undone after the controversial collision between Murray and Golding with five laps to go at Griffins Bend, however the South Australian continued to make his mark ahead of an expected Erebus promotion next year.

It's also worth giving Stewart's Erebus Academy stablemate Jarrod Hughes his flowers, the Queenslander going with his teammate in the wet conditions, even if the end result didn't reflect his performance in the #9 Camaro.

On a ragged day for Triple Eight, Zach Bates could hold his head up high at the end of the day, recording his first career top 10 finish in co-driver Craig Lowndes' final start with the team.

It wasn't without scares for the reigning Dunlop Super2 Series champion, who ran long on consecutive laps at Murray's Corner, however when esteemed stablemates Broc Feeney and Will Brown both crashed out of contention, they certainly wasn't the worst of mistakes.

With Triple Eight now expanding back to a three-car operation with the SCT Motorsport operation, a strong conclusion to the wildcard campaign would certainly boost Bates' case to remain at Banyo.

Another driver being bandied around for a full-time return next year is Declan Fraser, who quietly went about his work alongside Andre Heimgartner on Sunday. The duo finished seventh, with Heimgartner only one corner away from securing a last-ditch Finals berth.

Rylan Gray, who is looking likely to secure this year's Dunlop Super2 Series crown with a race to spare, also had a strong performance, finishing his maiden Bathurst alongside Super2 teammate Lochie Dalton on the lead lap in 13th.

Gray was linked to the vacant SCT seat when it was rumoured to be headed to Tickford for next season. Whether that link will still ring true given it's eventual destination of Triple Eight remains to be seen, however he is highly thought of among the Ford Racing camp.