What Is 2006 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 was a 1,000-kilometer endurance race held on October 8, 2006, at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia. It was won by drivers Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup, representing Triple Eight Race Engineering, marking their first Bathurst 1000 victory together.

Key Facts

The 2006 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 took place on October 8, 2006, at Mount Panorama Circuit.
Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup won the race driving car #88 for Triple Eight Race Engineering.
The winning team completed 161 laps, covering over 1,000 kilometers in 6 hours, 12 minutes, and 46 seconds.
It was the first Bathurst 1000 victory for both Lowndes and Whincup as co-drivers.
The race marked the final Bathurst 1000 appearance for legendary driver Peter Brock.

Overview

The 2006 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 was a pivotal event in Australian motorsport history, held on October 8, 2006, at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales. As part of the V8 Supercars Championship, the race attracted top drivers and teams from across Australia and New Zealand, drawing over 200,000 spectators to the scenic mountain track.

This year’s event was especially emotional as it marked the final Bathurst 1000 appearance of motorsport legend Peter Brock, who tragically passed away just weeks later in a separate incident. The race was also notable for the dominance of the Ford BA Falcons and the intense competition between factory-backed teams, culminating in a dramatic finish that solidified a new generation of champions.

Event date: The race occurred on October 8, 2006, following a week of qualifying and support events at Mount Panorama.
Winning team:Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup drove the #88 Ford Falcon BA for Triple Eight Race Engineering to victory.
Race distance: The event covered 161 laps, totaling approximately 1,005 kilometers around the 6.213-kilometer circuit.
Winning time: The champions completed the race in 6 hours, 12 minutes, and 46 seconds, averaging over 160 km/h.
Historic significance: This was the first Bathurst 1000 win for Whincup and the second for Lowndes, who previously won in 1996.

How It Works

The Bathurst 1000 is a co-driver endurance race, requiring two drivers to share a single car over a grueling 1,000-kilometer distance. Strategy, pit stops, fuel management, and driver stamina are critical to success, making it one of the most demanding events in motorsport.

Co-driver system:Two drivers must split driving duties, with mandatory driver changes during pit stops regulated by race officials.
Endurance format: The race lasts up to 12 hours or until 161 laps are completed, whichever comes first, testing mechanical and human endurance.
Pit stops: Teams must execute at least two pit stops for fuel and tires, with timing crucial to track position and race outcome.
Qualifying: The Top 10 Shootout determines pole position, with the fastest 10 cars competing in a single-lap dash for pole.
Safety cars:Safety car deployments are frequent due to crashes or debris, bunching the field and altering race strategy.
Weather impact: Mount Panorama’s elevation changes mean variable weather across the track, affecting tire choice and driving lines.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2006 race is often compared to other landmark Bathurst events due to its emotional weight and competitive field. The table below highlights key metrics across five notable years.

Year	Winning Drivers	Team	Time	Laps
2006	Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup	Triple Eight Race Engineering	6:12:46	161
2005	Garth Tander, Warren Luff	Holden Racing Team	6:11:26	161
2004	Mark Skaife, Todd Kelly	Holden Racing Team	6:13:44	161
2003	Russell Ingall, Paul Radisich	Stone Brothers Racing	6:14:12	161
2002	Mark Skaife, Jim Richards	Holden Racing Team	6:10:08	161

The 2006 race was slightly slower than the 2005 and 2002 editions, reflecting more safety car periods and cautious driving in the final laps. However, it remained one of the most-watched races in Australian TV history, with over 6 million viewers tuning in nationally.

Why It Matters

The 2006 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 had lasting implications for Australian motorsport, symbolizing a shift in driver dominance and team dynamics within the V8 Supercars series. It also marked a turning point in fan engagement and media coverage, elevating the event to new levels of national prominence.

Driver legacy:Jamie Whincup began his ascent to becoming the most successful Bathurst driver in history with this win.
Team rise:Triple Eight Race Engineering established itself as a powerhouse, winning multiple titles in the following decade.
Fan sentiment: The race was overshadowed by Peter Brock’s death weeks later, deepening national mourning and respect for motorsport heroes.
Media impact: The event drew a record TV audience and boosted online streaming interest in motorsport events.
Sponsorship growth:Supercheap Auto extended its naming rights deal, highlighting the commercial value of endurance racing.
Safety evolution: The race prompted further safety upgrades at Mount Panorama, including improved barriers and medical response protocols.

The 2006 Bathurst 1000 remains a benchmark in Australian motorsport, remembered for its drama, emotion, and the emergence of a new generation of champions.