Stewart salutes Wyhoons with maiden victory

It almost happened on debut, but Jobe Stewart now has a Super2 win under his belt and was proud to do it for the Wyhoons.

Stewart pushed Image Racing to emotional success at Bathurst, its first win since the tragic death of key team member Dana Wyhoon, with teammate Jarrod Hughes also earning a fourth PB.

Unfortunately, team owner Terry Wyhoon was not at Mount Panorama to witness the moment in person, due to a trip to the hospital with a finger injury.

Bathurst was a fitting location given that it had hosted many of the highlights of Stewart’s career, including his Super2 debut where he came close to victory following Dana’s death.

Stewart said it was an honor to not only get the biggest win of his career to date, but to do it for the Wyhoons.

“Getting my first victory on one of the best tracks in the world is amazing,” he said after the AUTO ACTION race.

“Terry hurt his finger this morning at the hospital in Orange, which sucks.

“I hope he comes back for the second race because it’s a pity he didn’t come here to win.

“I think he’s doing well and he sent me a message saying well done.

“Everyone is always thinking about Dan. She was heavily involved in the team, especially off the track.

“We all miss her every day, so it’s great to give her the win.”

Stewart started on the front row and in a welcome change from recent times, he made a good start which allowed him to enjoy a clear entry into Hell Corner as the Mustangs were five wide ahead of him,

The Mount Gambier teenager admitted that the starts were a weakness for both him and teammate Hughes, but the car performed well throughout the weekend.

“We started the year almost perfectly, but then it went a little bit worse,” he said.

“The team worked hard and never gave up and we bounced back brilliantly at Sandown.

“The car was fast here and we didn’t change much from practice on Thursday.

“We worked on the starts because they were a weak point for Jarrod and me.

“It was a bit nervous at the start, but once I took the lead I continued to push hard but focused on managing the gap and saving my tires for the rest of the race.”

Qualifying for Super2 Race 2 will begin soon.

Photo: Jobe Stewart Racing

2024 Bathurst 1000

Practice 1: 1: Matt Payne 2:07.2941 2: Cameron Waters +0.0366 3: Will Brown +0.0373

Practice 2: 1: J. Whincup 2:07.4788 2: C. Murray +0.0370 3: J. Ojeda +0.1860

Practice 3: 1: B. Feeney 2:06.7842 2: T. Randle +0.0614 3: J. Courtney +0.0700

Practice 4:1: B. Kostecki 2:06.1820 2: C. Waters +0.1636 3: B. Feeney +0.3455

Qualifications: 1: M. Payne 2:05.6452 2: C. Waters +0.0060 3: B. Feeney +0.0113

Practice 5: Saturday 10/05-11/05 (co-drivers)

Practice 6: Saturday 13/05-14/05 (all drivers)

Top 10 shootings: Saturday, May 17

Warm-up: Sunday 8.15-8.35

Bathurst 1000: Sunday 11.30 (161 laps)

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