Mostert GC500 pit stop under investigation

Chaz Mostert’s final Sunday result at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 will be subject to an investigation into an alleged pit stop breach.

Mostert’s #1 Mobil 1 Optus Toyota appeared to hit the ground before the refuelling hose was removed during the reigning champion’s first stop in Race 32.

Mostert cantered to victory in Saturday’s race and qualified for the Semi Final at Sandown, and was running effective fifth at the time of his first stop. He was effective fourth after the first pit cycle.

Attention was initially on a slow right rear wheel change, with Walkinshaw TWG Racing hurriedly getting Mostert back out into the race. However, replays revealed further insight into the alleged breach.

Per Rule 26.6.4.2 in the Supercars Operations Manual, a car “must have all four (4) wheels off the ground while Refuelling is taking place.”

The full rule reads:

26.6.4.1 The Car must be stationary at all times during Refuelling.

26.6.4.2 The Car must have all four (4) wheels off the ground while Refuelling is taking place.

a) The fuel delivery hose of the Refuelling Tower or the Refuelling Churn must be decoupled from the Car prior to the air spike being disengaged allowing the Car to be lowered to the ground.

b) If a Car is lowered to the ground prior to the fuel delivery hose of the Refuelling Tower or the Refuelling Churn being decoupled the Car must be raised immediately and until the Refuelling has been completed and the fuel delivery hose of the Refuelling Tower or the Refuelling Churn is decoupled.

Shane van Gisbergen infamously lost victory at the 2018 Newcastle 500 over a breach of the same rule, with the equivalent of a pit lane drive-through penalty applied to his race time.

It had already been a dramatic Sunday race to the point of the Mostert stop, with Anton De Pasquale suffering a lap 1 puncture, with Team 18 teammate David Reynolds crashing.