DRIVERS TO WATCH

JAMIE WHINCUP

The seven-time series champion may have claimed four Bathurst titles, but he has been ruing his luck at the mountain since his last win back in 2012. Arguably the cruellest result was in 2016 when he crossed the line first only to be relegated to 11th after a post-race penalty for causing a late crash. Paul Dumbrell will co-drive.

CRAIG LOWNDES

The crowd favourite promises a fitting finale in what will be his last Bathurst as a full-time driver. In his 25th crack at the Great Race, the 44-year-old Holden driver is aiming to move his Bathurst victory tally to seven – equal second with Jim Richards behind Peter Brock’s nine. For the fifth straight year, Steven Richards will be Lowndes’ Bathurst co-driver.

SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN

The Kiwi arrives at Mount Panorama in need of a self-confidence boost after letting his Supercars series lead slip in the past month. At one stage appearing unstoppable, after five wins in seven races this year, the 25-year-old must try to reel in Holden driver Shane van Gisbergen’s 55-point series lead with a maiden Bathurst win. McLaughlin has never made a Bathurst podium in six attempts. Co-driver is Alexandre Premat.

SHANE VAN GISBERGEN

His best finish is second in 2016 but few are discounting the series leader’s challenge at Mount Panorama this year. The Kiwi won’t assess his hopes of securing a second Supercars championship until after the enduros, but he can blow out his series lead with a whopping 300 points on offer for the Bathurst winner. Co-driver is Bathurst rookie Earl Bamber, a two-time Le Mans 24-hour winner.

DAVID REYNOLDS

At one time more famous for making the “shoey” popular, Supercars funny man Reynolds was taken seriously when he claimed his maiden Bathurst crown last year. Currently fifth, Reynolds will hope to make a play for a maiden championship by becoming the first back-to-back Bathurst winner since Whincup-Lowndes in 2008. Co-driver is again Luke Youlden.