'Gutted' Mostert explains pre-race clutch drama

Chaz Mostert's strongest qualifying performance of the 2025 betr Darwin Triple Crown was brought undone before a wheel had even been turned in anger.

Lining up ninth having made a major set up improvement overnight, the two-time Bathurst winner was quietly confident in Walkinshaw Andretti United's race package, with teammate Ryan Wood starting fourth.

However, as the field left the grid for the formation lap, the #25 Mustang laboured on the start line as Mostert battled with a clutch problem.

Mostert and his engineering group deliberated over whether they would take the start on the grid, however it was decided on safety grounds that they would take a pit lane start, with Mostert deliberately slowing his run through the lane as to not stop and wait at pit exit.

Such issues aren't unprecedented for Mostert and WAU, who suffered a similar issue in the opening race of last year's Adelaide 500 on route to a finish of 13th.

Mostert went one better today, claiming 12th in a fine comeback, but admitted that it was tough to give up a strong position when he had pace to use.

"I'm having nightmares from Adelaide last year all over again," said Mostert post-race.

"I went to do the practice start, and the clutch did the same thing at Adelaide, it just went to the floor which was pretty nerve-wracking.

"I couldn't even remember back to Adelaide to it doing that, but it was safer to start in pit lane today than it was on the grid, so I'm gutted.

"But I got the eyes on, drove as hard as I could, and I didn't think we were anywhere but we had pretty good pace in the car, that was the best the car had been all weekend.

"We popped out 12th, I have no idea how we did that, but anyway we'll take the points and especially after such a hard day. Never give up."

When asked whether or not his cheeseburger challenge from karting days was back in force today, Mostert pointed out that he had only gone backwards from his starting position.

Mostert was left to ponder the what ifs after his recovery drive, which saw him consolidate fifth in the championship standings: "Probably not, because technically I lost what, three positions in the race?

"At least I don't owe someone else in the crew too many cheeseburgers, so happy to get back to 12th, but the car had pace today to probably go further forward than that, and I think it showed there in the data, so a bit gutted.

"But hey, these days happen."