Winterbottom surprised by tribute helmet
Mark Winterbottom has been handed a Bathurst surprise in the form of a tribute helmet.
Winterbottom will make his 20th Bathurst 1000 start this weekend.
On the eve of this weekend’s event, Winterbottom was surprised with a helmet paying tribute to his milestone.
The helmet was presented to Winterbottom by wife by wife Renee and children Oliver, Austin and Elliott.
The special helmet was designed by Trent Rogers of 6Star Custom Paint.
It features the map of the Mount Panorama Circuit with the title, '20th Bathurst 1000 start - 2022’.
The helmet also details Winterbottom’s 2013 race victory, including the starting position and race time.
Winterbottom won the 2013 race with Steven Richards while competing for Ford Performance Racing.
He finished second with Steve Owen two years later in his championship season.
The 41-year-old also took pole for the race in 2007 and 2010.
"It’s really cool, it’s an iconic stat for me with my 20th start in The Great Race this year,” said Winterbottom, who will race with Michael Caruso.
"Renee has organised a helmet for me which looks really cool.
“It’s got a nice addition on the back as a tribute so hopefully it brings me luck on the mountain this weekend.
“I always loved the shape of the Stilo helmet, a big thank you to them for getting the helmet as I know how hard they are to get at the moment.
"Trent from 6Star does an amazing job and worked his magic, so a big thanks to everyone for making it happen.
“I can’t wait to put it on this weekend and hopefully it brings us some good luck.”
Cars will hit the track at Mount Panorama for Practice 1 on Thursday.
Tickets for the Repco Bathurst 1000 are available on Supercars.com and Ticketek.
