Team 18 complete investigation into Bathurst fuel shortage
Anton De Pasquale/Lee Holdsworth denied victory on final lap
"Issue with the team's fuel strategy software" identified and resolved
An investigation by Team 18 has identified an issue within the team’s fuel strategy software, which cost Anton De Pasquale and Lee Holdsworth victory in the Repco Bathurst 1000.
The #18 DEWALT Camaro had worked itself into a comfortable lead on fuel strategy in the final stint, though questions emerged on their fuel levels as the laps wound down, not even a late Safety Car enough to quell concerns.
The #18 ran out of fuel on the final lap on Mountain Straight, with Brodie Kostecki, Todd Hazelwood, and the Shell V-Power Racing Team stealing victory. De Pasquale and Holdsworth were both distraught, with Team Principal Adrian Burgess and team owner Charlie Schwerkolt also fronting the media post-race.
On Tuesday morning he team released a statement, on behalf of Schwerkolt, who explained that the issue led to the final fuel fill "being less than the amount required to finish the race."
Schwerkolt stated the issue has been resolved.
The full statement reads:
Team 18 has completed a thorough investigation into the final lap stoppage of the No. 18 DEWALT Racing Chevrolet Camaro while it was in the lead of the Bathurst 1000.
The investigation identified an issue within the team’s fuel strategy software, which resulted in the final fuel fill being less than the amount required to finish the race. The issue has been resolved.
This was a team responsibility. No single individual is to blame, and no one is being relieved of their position. The team has evolved significantly over the years, with new personnel, a new driver line-up and improvements in our processes and operations. To be fighting for poles, podiums and wins, and to have been in contention for victory at Bathurst, reflects the progress on that journey and gives us belief in what we can achieve together going forwards. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. On Sunday we lost as a team, but we will learn and grow from that.
We understand the scrutiny that comes with competing at this level and we don’t shy away from that responsibility. However, we have been disappointed by some of the online reaction, particularly the personal attacks and content from organisations that have a responsibility to encourage a healthy and respectful online community. Behind every result are people, their families and years of commitment. We ask that this is kept in mind in how our sport’s stories are told and discussed.
Team 18 owns this mistake, the team has come together this morning, discussed internally, and regrouped. Our focus is firmly on fighting for the championship for Anton De Pasquale and the No. 18 DEWALT Racing Chevrolet as the Supercars Finals Series begins on the Gold Coast next week.
Team 18 would like to thank our partners, members, fans and the wider Supercars pit lane for their support. We have been blown away by the messages of encouragement and support we have received, it means a great deal to everyone in the team.
De Pasquale will be one of 10 Finalists in the Repco Supercars Finals Series that commences at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 from October 23-25. De Pasquale will be the seventh seed.
