Bathurst "agony and ecstasy" in brotherly embrace
Shane and Mitch Croke work for DJR, Team 18 respectively
DJR stole victory from Team 18 on dramtic final lap
One of the most remarkable Bathurst stories unfurled amid emotional scenes in pit lane, as brothers turned rivals embraced.
The battle for the victory at Mount Panorama boiled down into a dramatic moment on the final lap, as Brodie Kostecki picked off the fuel-short Anton De Pasquale.
It delivered a come-from-behind victory for Shell V-Power Racing Team, and a dramatic defeat for Team 18, which was undone by a fuel strategy software issue.
As one team celebrated and another collapsed, Croke brothers Mitch and Shane — who work for Team 18 and Dick Johnson Racing respectively — came together in a tearful embrace.
Shane Croke has long been part of the DJR family, and is currently a tyre technician and pit stop crew member.
Younger brother Mitch is Team Manager of Team 18, and also a highly credentialed signwriter.
Captured on video and posted to social media by Mitch, Shane ducked away from DJR celebrations and sought out his brother in the Team 18 garage.
"Agony and ecstasy,” Mitch posted to social media.
"Couple of brothers, working on cars, battling for a win at Australia’s biggest motor race, our home race, that’s what dreams are made of.
"Gutted for Anton, Lee and everyone at Team 18, we had a near perfect week, and despite the heartbreak, I do feel a sense of pride for being in a position to win it.
"We’ve come along way in just a couple of years. I love you all and we’ll come back bigger and better. We’ve become a pretty resilient bunch.
“[Shane] I’m proud of you bro, you’ve worked bloody hard in this sport for over 20 years and deserve the success.”
The 2026 season resumes on the Gold Coast on October 23-25.
