Anton De Pasquale Shines Brightly in Sydney Night Race Victory!
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Anton De Pasquale has clinched his first victory of the 2026 Supercars season with a dazzling performance at the iconic Sydney Motorsport Park. The Team 18 Chevrolet driver, showing nerves of steel, dominated the night race, overcoming chaotic restarts and unpredictable weather to secure a crucial win for the General Motors team.
Starting from pole position—his ninth at this venue, just shy of the record belonging to Scott McLaughlin—De Pasquale swiftly seized the lead from Brodie Kostecki. However, the race took a dramatic turn on lap nine when a safety car was deployed due to an engine failure in Andre Heimgartner’s GR Supra, forcing all drivers to pit. Emerging from the pit lane, De Pasquale maintained his lead, while Kostecki found himself slipping from second to fourth before reclaiming a spot by overtaking Aaron Cameron’s Blanchard Racing Ford at the restart.
“We have been building for it, I had an amazing car,” De Pasquale exclaimed after ending an astonishing 70-race winless streak. “I was under pressure at the end. He was fast, I knew he was going to be quick. I looked after the car, it looked after its tyres really well tonight.”
Kostecki, displaying remarkable strategy, managed to secure a commendable second place after running long in his second stint. He capitalized on fresher tyres to edge out Matt Payne of Grove Racing, who finished a mere 0.3627 seconds behind the winner. The reigning 2023 champion fought valiantly but ultimately fell short of the top spot.
Broc Feeney, representing Triple Eight Race Engineering, delivered a solid performance, finishing sixth despite the challenges of the evening. After qualifying in the sixth position, he faced setbacks during the race, including a 15-second penalty for a pit lane incident. Nevertheless, Feeney’s determination shone through as he fought his way back into the top ranks.
Meanwhile, Cam Waters showed glimpses of his 2025 prowess, finishing comfortably in fourth place but trailing 18 seconds behind the victorious De Pasquale. His performance was a stark reminder of his competitive edge, even as he faced off against the fierce Chevrolet onslaught.
In a remarkable display of resilience, Jack Le Brocq surged from a dismal 24th starting position to secure ninth place, showcasing the potential of the Matt Stone Racing Chevrolet. His early pit stop strategy paid off handsomely, allowing him to carve through the pack and prove that anything can happen in the world of Supercars racing.
As the adrenaline-fueled night race concluded, the anticipation builds for the next round of action on Sunday. With qualifying and the third race of the weekend on the horizon, fans can expect even more thrilling moments as these elite drivers continue to battle it out on the track. The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable—who will emerge victorious next? Stay tuned!
