CHAZ Mostert knows firsthand that the Bathurst 1000 can be won without having participated in the top 10 shootout, but the prospect of having the Mount Panorama circuit to himself for a one-lap flyer means he is hungry to be there.
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Since famously winning the Great Race from the rear of the grid in 2014, Mostert has made two appearances in the top 10 shootout.
His first came in 2016 where he clocked the third fastest time, while in the 2017 shootout Mostert was ranked fourth.
Last year Mostert was the 11th fastest man in qualifying, meaning he missed out on the highlight of the Supercars' Saturday program at Mount Panorama.
Instead he joined race fans in watching others battle for pole position.
"I'd love to get in the top 10 shootout, I was bit gutted I didn't get in it last year, but I was pretty lucky last year too, I went and watched up the top of the hill for the first time since I was about 12 and had my little fan moment up there," Mostert said.
"It was pretty special to watch all the other cars, you kinda take it for granted how fast these cars go when you're sitting in the seat."
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So far this year Mostert's average qualifying position has been 6.2 in his Tickford Racing Ford Mustang, while his quickest lap in Thursday's practice - a 2:04.0622 in the third session - ranked him fifth.
It means he looks a good chance of qualifying for the shootout, but even if he doesn't he knows Sunday will be what matters most.
"To be honest, I don't think I've had a good record with top 10 shootouts, I've had probably more of my team-mates in the last few years get in the shootout than me, I come up short for some reason," he said.
"I don't know, maybe I've lost a little bit of my qualifying edge, but the race is where it counts. It would be awesome to get in the top 10 shootout, to have that track to yourself is something very special.
"But saying that, starting last on the grid and winning the thing is what it's all about."