Team 18 reveals software error behind Bathurst 1000 heartbreak

Team 18 has confirmed that an issue with its fuel strategy software caused Anton De Pasquale and Lee Holdsworth to lose a near-certain victory in Sunday’s Bathurst 1000 of the Supercars Championship.

De Pasquale was leading the race heading into the final lap at Mount Panorama when his Chevrolet Camaro ran out of fuel on Mountain Straight, handing victory to Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood of Dick Johnson Racing.

The team launched an investigation following the dramatic finish and confirmed on Tuesday that a software issue had resulted in insufficient fuel being added during the final pit stop.

“The investigation identified an issue within the team’s fuel strategy software, which resulted in the final fuel fill being less than the amount required to finish the race. The issue has been resolved,” read a statement from team owner Charlie Schwerkolt.

The #18 Camaro had established a comfortable lead during the final stint, but concerns over fuel consumption emerged in the closing stages. A late safety car period appeared to offer a lifeline, although it ultimately proved insufficient.

Schwerkolt stressed that the team accepted full responsibility for the mistake and confirmed that no personnel changes would follow.

“This was a team responsibility. No single individual is to blame, and no one is being relieved of their position,” said Schwerkolt.

“We win as a team, and we lose as a team. On Sunday we lost as a team, but we will learn and grow from that.”

Schwerkolt also criticised personal attacks directed at team members on social media following the incident, calling for greater respect towards those involved.