TODD Hazelwood will long remember season 2020 for claiming the first pole position and podium of his Supercars career, but there's one more fond memory he wants from this year.
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The 25-year-old also wants to remember this year as one in which he tasted glory in the Bathurst 1000.
Hazelwood has just three prior starts in the Great Race to his credit which have resulted in a 12th, a 20th and DNF.
But having made the switch from Matt Stone Racing to the bigger Brad Jones Racing outfit this season has seen the young talent become more competitive.
"It's been very much a breakthrough season for us with the team at Brad Jones Racing, it's been great what we've been able to achieve in just my first year working with this team," he said.
"I'm obviously still in a learning phase in my career, being my third year in the championship, and it's the first time I've actually had team-mates to work with dating all the way back to 2014 and it's been a huge benefit for me as a driver.
"We've been working well together all year and I think it's been paying off quite well and there's the resource of the engineers as well. They bring different ideas and listening to what they do, how they make car speed, I've certainly learned a lot this season."
Hazelwood landed his maiden Supercars podium at Sydney in June as he came from 12th on the grid to place third.
Another milestone moment came at Townsville when he claimed pole position, Hazelwood saying: "It was a pretty cool moment and a day I will never forget."
Hazelwood has also had another four top 10 results and that is why he holds the genuine belief he can be a contender in Sunday's 161-lap epic at the Mount.
"I really feel like it's my best opportunity yet lining up at the Bathurst 1000 to potentially taste success and I am genuinely excited to see what we can do," he said.
"Going to the biggest race of the year with a race car that has been fast in qualifying and race trim at different circuits this year, I feel like I'm in a better shape than ever before.
"Hopefully all the luck we haven't had this year is saved up for Sunday at Bathurst."
Hazelwood is sharing his seat with Bathurst 1000 rookie Jordan Boys, his entry one of four Brad Jones Racing Commodores on the grid.
The South Australian native knows just how much this event means to the team. He knows their experience at the Mount will be another asset for him and he hopes he can reward them with a strong result.
"I can certainly sense the commitment and dedication when it comes to Bathurst within this team, everyone has bonded together and there's been a big push to make sure the car's pristine and we have the best chance as possible to chase success at the mountain," Hazelwood said.
"Brad and the team have finished second a few times but never tasted glory at the mountain, so obviously there's a huge desire to get the first win and we'll be doing everything we can to do that."
