BEWARE of a lurking Monster and a pair of Red Bulls - that is the message from six-times Bathurst 1000 winner Mark Skaife ahead of the Supercars series opener at Mount Panorama.
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While Skaife is no longer part of the Supercars grid, he now commentates on the series and those who are vying to become champion.
When it comes to the 2021 championship battle which starts at next week's Bathurst 500, it is Red Bull Ampol Racing duo Shane van Gisbergen and Jamie Whincup as well as the man who steers the Tickford Monster Mustang, Cameron Waters, who Skaife is tipping to shine.
"Shane van Gisbergen, Cam Waters and Jamie Whincup," Skaife told Foxtel Insider when asked to predict a top three.
"Shane van Gisbergen ... after winning the last race of 2020 at Bathurst and coming off a stellar off-season in all sorts of other cars, he's a genuine superstar."
Waters, van Gisbergen and Whincup placed second, third and fourth respectively in last year's championship behind Scott McLaughlin.
Though the star Kiwi has now switched to the IndyCar series, Skaife thinks the battles which unfold across the 2021 calendar will still be exciting.
"No Scott McLaughlin and a recent full-time retirement [at the end of the year] announced by seven-time series champion Jamie Whincup. Who will take Scott's mantle? No-one knows. And that's why we love it," he said.
"[There has been] Lots of team changes with different drivers in different teams. Dave Reynolds at Kelly Grove Racing in a Mustang. Anton De Pasquale at DJR in a Mustang replacing Scott McLaughlin.
"Look for Will Davison to capitalise on his 'career-saving' ride in the Shell V-Power/DJR-prepared Mustang and don't be surprised if young Kiwi Andre Heimgartner grabs the odd podium in the NED Racing-sponsored Mustang."
As for what will be the highlight of the calendar, Skaife's pick was predictable. It's the Mount's 161-lap epic.
"The Bathurst 1000 in October is always the stand-out. It's the best track with the most tradition and wildest layout. It's unforgiving if you make a mistake - huge consequences," he said.
"It's a 'stop the nation' day in Australian sport and we look forward to the contest every year, it's effectively our grand final."
The Supercars will take to the track for the first time this season at 12.25pm on Friday, February 26 at Mount Panorama in the opening practice session for the Bathurst 500.
