PODCAST: Bates shines ahead of enduro debut
Triple Eight youngster shows he has the talent needed to match it with more seasoned racers
Zach Bates underlined his growing reputation with an impressive Supercars debut at Queensland Raceway, setting himself up as one to watch ahead of the endurance season alongside seven-time Bathurst champion Craig Lowndes.
Backing up with a test day at QR, Bates impressed again in preparation for September’s The Bend 500 and October’s Bathurst 1000 where he will partner Lowndes in Triple Eight’s enduro wildcard campaign.
“Sharing a car with Craig is amazing,” Bates told Race for the Championship’s Mark Fogarty.
“He’s got the experience and knowledge to guide me through. For me, it’s about learning the rhythm of endurance racing and settling into that long-game approach.”
The 20-year-old defending Super2 champion stepped into the Supercheap Auto Triple Eight wildcard entry at QR and quickly looked at home in elite company, lining up against the likes of Brodie Kostecki and Will Brown.
“It was pretty surreal,” Bates said.
“To run around with guys like that was absolutely fantastic – I’ve watched them for years, so to be on the same grid was really cool.”
Bates handled the intensity of the main game with confidence, despite being on the receiving end of some typically tough racing.
“I felt like a big red target at times,” he admitted.
“But it was a good experience. You learn how rough it can be, and how important it is not to leave the door open.”
Bates’ adaptability was clear across a demanding weekend where he juggled both Super2 and main-game duties. Despite a tough run in Super2, his focus was firmly on making the most of his first Supercars outing.
With a famous surname and a pedigree to match, Bates – the son of rally ace Rick – has already shown he belongs at the top level, and his QR debut suggests Lowndes’ young co-driver could be a standout in this year’s enduros.
