Due to current government restrictions and quarantine requirements, three-time Supercars champion and 2019 Bathurst 1000 winner Scott McLaughlin will not participate in this year's Great Race.
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In stead, the Shell V-Power Racing Team has announced their Bathurst 1000 driver pairings will be Alex Davison co-driving with his brother Will in the famous No. 17 Ford Mustang, and Tony D'Alberto and Anton De Pasquale in the No. 11 Ford Mustang.
McLaughlin said he was sad to miss the Bathurst 1000 and not be travelling home to see his family, friends, and supporters.
"It is disappointing to not be able to travel home and take part in the biggest race on the Australian motorsport calendar - it's something I was looking forward to, but with the prolonged quarantine requirements and Australian COVID-19 restrictions, the timing just hasn't worked out," he said.
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"I was also looking forward to seeing the team, the Supercars supporters, and my family and friends - who I haven't seen in over 18 months - and putting on a great show at Mount Panorama. Hopefully we can see what 2022 brings.
"I know Alex will do a great job in my place. I'll certainly be watching from the US and wish the team the best of luck for the season finale."
Executive Chairman of Dick Johnson Racing, Ryan Story, said that while the team was disappointed that McLaughlin could not travel from the United States for the event, the team's new driver lineup is extremely strong.
"We knew from the beginning of the season that Scott's availability to race with us this year would rest on a number of factors, including the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic along with the IndyCar schedule," he said.
"Unfortunately, the timing just hasn't aligned how we'd hoped.
"Alex is a quality driver who has a history with this team, and of course pairing him with his brother makes them a terrific combination for this year's Great Race.
"He has been spending a lot of time with us here at the workshop, getting to know the cars and the team and learning how we operate.
"Tony has been with the team for a number of years now and has proven himself a fast, reliable and solid codriver. He brings vast experience and will form a great combination with Anton."
Scott McLaughlin finished the 2021 IndyCar Series in 14th, with his best finish a second at the first race at Texas in May. He was named Rookie of the Year.
This year's Bathurst 1000 will be a six-day event and will take place at Mount Panorama from November 30 to December 5.
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