WEIRD but excited - that's how Mark Winterbottom is feeling ahead of the Supercars' season opener at Mount Panorama.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Though Winterbottom has tackled the Bathurst 1000 at the iconic circuit every year since 2003 - and he won it in 2013 - this month's Bathurst 500 will present a different challenge to drivers.
There will be no co-drivers, there are two chances to be part of a top 10 shootout and instead of a 161-lap enduro, there is a pair of 250 kilometre (40 lap) races.
As the season-opener, Team 18 driver Winterbottom and the rest of the field also have the chance to claim the series lead at the Mount.
"Weird, but I'm looking forward to it," Winterbottom said.
"Heading to Bathurst is going to be strange, we go there in October traditionally but sprint race format, the 1000 race is all about flat-out anyway, so our approach won't change.
"But one driver in a sprint event has got a different feel so really excited ... there's a buzz in the air with Bathurst as the season opener.
"I'd love to get the car in the shootout, do that one lap and a win at Bathurst is always special."
While last year's COVID-19 impacted calendar saw Mount Panorama host the season finale for the first time in 20 years, the February 26-28 Bathurst 500 is the first time the circuit has staged round one.
It is also the first time Bathurst has hosted a sprint race in 25 years. In 1996 the third round of the then Australian Touring Cars series was held at the Mount, with a three 10-lap race format.
Just as Winterbottom is hungry to be the first driver crowned the Bathurst 500 champion, he is also motivated by the desire to emulate his 2015 championship winning campaign.
"I'm super hungry, I say it every year, but I think last year was a tough year, just constantly on the road. Turning up this year I good, I feel fresh," he said.
"The goal is to get that number one, that's what we're all fighting for and I'm pretty pumped to have a go.
"We're in a great position, we've got great staff, I feel like we've got great equipment and we're as hungry as ever. It's time for Team 18 to get up the front."
