Mostert and Coulthard claim Toyota’s first Supercars endurance win

Chaz Mostert and Fabian Coulthard claimed victory in a weather-affected Bend 500, leading a double podium for Toyota in the manufacturer’s first Supercars Championship endurance race.

The Walkinshaw TWG Racing pair started 11th but worked their way through the field as changing conditions and strategy played a major role in the 500-kilometre race.

Mostert crossed the line 18 seconds clear of the Ford Mustang of Kai Allen and Tim Slade, while team-mates Ryan Wood and Jaxon Evans completed the podium in the second Toyota Supra.

Wet conditions dominated the opening stages, with several incidents and three safety car periods disrupting proceedings.

Allen emerged as one of the leading contenders before Mostert moved ahead as the circuit began to dry.

Evans was the first of the leading runners to switch to slicks when he handed the #2 Toyota to Wood on lap 84.

Mostert switched to slicks on lap 92 and initially struggled to bring his tyres up to temperature, but held the lead before pulling clear.

Allen moved back ahead of Wood during the final pit-stop sequence, while Mostert retained a comfortable advantage.

The race became time-certain in the closing stages, with Mostert making his final stop with just over 12 minutes remaining and returning around 16 seconds ahead of Allen.

He controlled the remaining laps to secure his first victory in a 500-kilometre Supercars endurance race and Coulthard’s first Supercars win since 2020.

Allen and Slade finished second ahead of Wood and Evans, completing a first-and-third result for Toyota.

Will Brown and Scott Pye recovered to fourth despite losing a lap early in the race, with Jayden Ojeda and David Russell fifth.

Matt Payne crossed the line fifth but a five-second penalty for contact with Ojeda dropped the Payne/Will Davison Ford to sixth.

Points leader Broc Feeney finished three laps down in 24th place after co-driver Nick Percat clashed with Zak Best in the early stages and had to pit for repairs.

Brodie Kostecki had a nightmare race as well after a slow start by co-driver Todd Hazelwood and later a 15-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

The Supercars Championship continues with the Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama on October 8-11.