Supercars 600 round milestone
OTR SuperSprint Marks Milestone 600th Round in Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars Championship
The upcoming OTR SuperSprint at Tailem Bend is set to mark a historic moment in the annals of the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) and the V8 Supercars Championship. Not only will Tailem Bend host Round 8 of the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship, but it will also serve as the venue for the 600th round of the prestigious ATCC/Supercars series.
This significant milestone harks back to the roots of the championship, with the very first race taking place over six decades ago. In 1960, David McKay clinched victory at the Gnoo Blas circuit in Orange, NSW, inaugurating what has grown into one of the most revered touring car championships worldwide.
Over the course of 63 years, the championship has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a premier motorsport event. The Bend Motorsport Park, a relatively young circuit, will have the distinct honor of hosting the historic 600th round. Interestingly, the number 600 has already made its appearance this season, as Mark Winterbottom celebrated his 600th Supercars race in April.
The achievement of 600 rounds showcases the endurance and longevity of the championship, with only a select few drivers reaching the remarkable milestone of 600 or more races. Notable names such as Craig Lowndes, Garth Tander, and Mark Winterbottom have achieved this feat, with Lowndes further establishing a record of 300 rounds. Lowndes made his debut in 1996, underscoring the stark contrast in the frequency of rounds held in the modern era compared to the championship's earlier years.
Throughout its history, the championship has witnessed several milestone rounds that have left an indelible mark. The 100th round was clinched by Kevin Bartlett in the iconic Nine Sports Chevrolet Camaro at Sandown in 1980. John Bowe secured victory in the 200th round, steering his Shell Sierra to triumph at Sandown. Mark Skaife's victory at the 300th round at Oran Park in Sydney in 2001 marked yet another pivotal moment.
Jamie Whincup's win at Hamilton in New Zealand marked the 400th round, with Scott McLaughlin sealing the victory in the 500th round aboard his Garry Rogers Motorsport Volvo. While the recognition of round winners ceased in 2008, the significance of accumulating the most points over a weekend remains an enduring aspect of the championship.
As the 600th round approaches, the championship's record books reflect a dynamic history of competitive achievements. Jamie Whincup leads the way with 55 round wins, followed by Craig Lowndes with 52 victories. The contributions of Mark Skaife, Shane van Gisbergen, and Peter Brock are also celebrated, each accumulating an impressive tally of round wins.
The action-packed OTR SuperSprint is set to commence on Saturday, featuring practice sessions, the ARMOR ALL Qualifying, and the highly anticipated Race 20, offering fans an exhilarating display of motorsport excellence.
