Reason for final-lap Bathurst 1000 disaster revealed
An investigation into the shock final-lap stoppage of Anton De Pasquale’s car has found a software issue was to blame for the mishap with the fuel, Team 18 says.
De Pasquale held a comfortable lead for a significant portion of the race and was on the verge of winning the Bathurst 1000 when he ran out of fuel.
Anton De Pasquale’s first Bathurst 1000 victory slipped through his hands. Robert Cianflone
Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood were gifted victory as a result of their rival’s error, with De Pasquale left to accept that he would abandon the race.
An apology was immediately issued by the team to its drivers and supporters on Sunday, with Team 18 boss Adrian Burgess confirming all in the garage were aware they had dropped the ball at the final minute.
An investigation into the mishap was conducted and has since been completed.
In that inquiry, it was found that no individual was to blame for the error, nor would anyone be relieved of their duties as it was a software issue.
The fuel strategy software has since been fixed, according to Team 18.
“We win as a team, and we lose as a team. We lost as a team, but we will learn and grow from that,” Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt said in a statement.
“The team has evolved significantly over the years, with new personnel, a new driver line-up and improvements in our processes and operations. To be fighting for poles, podiums and wins ... reflects the progress on that journey.”
Schwerkolt made clear he and the team understood the scrutiny that would and had come as a result of the error, and in no way were they shying away from it.
Still, Team 18 were disappointed by some of the commentary about the matter.
“We have been disappointed by some of the online reaction, particularly the personal attacks and content from organisations that have a responsibility to encourage a healthy and respectful online community,” he continued.
“Behind every result are people, their families and years of commitment. We ask that this is kept in mind in how our sport’s stories are told and discussed.
“Team 18 owns this mistake, the team has come together this morning, discussed internally, and regrouped. Our focus is firmly on fighting for the championship.”
Schwerkolt concluded the statement by thanking the team’s partners, members, fans and the Supercars community for their support after a heartbreaking race ending.
De Pasquale will now focus on the Supercars finals series, which will take place on the Gold Coast from October 23-25.
