Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood won the Bathurst 1000 on 11 October 2026, driving the #17 Shell V-Power Racing / Dick Johnson Racing Ford Mustang.

The crew completed the 161 laps in 5:54:04.749. They didn’t hit the front until the final lap, 22 corners before the chequered flag.

Mount Panorama in New South Wales doesn’t let a comfortable lead hold up the way it might on a flatter circuit. The narrow track, an elevation change of about 174 metres and the fast run down Conrod Straight leave almost no room for error over a distance of just over a thousand kilometres. The result here comes down to more than raw speed: pit stops, fuel strategy and how the Safety Car falls all play their part. In some years the winning margin has stretched out to half an hour; this time it came down to less than a second.

It’s the season’s marquee event on the Supercars Championship calendar. Grandstands along Mount Panorama fill from Friday, and the race goes to air nationwide. In Australia it’s long been known as The Great Race. Any slip-up here costs more than at any other round on the calendar. Teams value Bathurst separately from the championship points. A single win here means just as much for a team’s prestige as a strong finish in the overall standings.

Kostecki and Hazelwood made a strong start, qualifying second and running in the lead group for almost the whole race. On lap 125, a pit stop nearly undid their race. A front brake change ran more than 25 seconds over and dropped the crew from first to fifth. Kostecki made his final stop on lap 150, leaving him an 11-lap dash to the flag. On laps 152 and 153 he set back-to-back lap records for Gen3 cars, clawing back the time lost in the pits.

After Kostecki’s stumble, the lead passed to Anton De Pasquale and Lee Holdsworth in the #18 Chevrolet Camaro. The crew made their final refuelling stop on lap 139 and emerged 15.5 seconds clear of Zach Bates. The gap looked comfortable. With ten laps to go, though, the team took a gamble and asked De Pasquale to save fuel rather than hold the pace. Punters would call that kind of logic volatility. A high-volatility pokie can sit without paying out for ages; then one spin suddenly lands a big combination, and there’s no picking it in advance. The fuel-saving plan was meant to get De Pasquale’s car home first; instead, it decided the race against him. Supercars liveries and team colours have long since moved beyond the track, turning up in merchandise, video games and, increasingly, online pokies, including whole ranges of themed motorsport slot games. Supercars liveries and team colours have long since moved beyond the track, turning up in merchandise, video games and, increasingly, online pokies, including whole ranges of themed motorsport slot games. Releases in this genre are tracked by Wild Tokyo Casino, whose figures show that these games have long overtaken roulette and live dealer tables in popularity.

On lap 156, Chaz Mostert’s crash at Forrest’s Elbow brought out the race’s only Safety Car. That left the drivers with a three-lap sprint instead of a steady run to the flag. Kostecki made the most of the restart. On lap 159 he passed Bates at Murray’s Corner to move into second, within sight of the leader.

The decisive moment came on the final lap, lap 161. De Pasquale ran out of fuel on Mountain Straight and the Camaro slowed abruptly. Kostecki moved into the lead with 22 corners left to run. De Pasquale never made it to the chequered flag.

Will Brown and Scott Pye crossed the line second, 1.184 seconds back. Zach Bates and Aaron Seton took third, 1.927 seconds off the pace. It’s the second Bathurst 1000 win together for Kostecki and Hazelwood, and the fifth in the race’s history for Dick Johnson Racing. The Queensland team has long ranked among the most successful at Mount Panorama. As it turned out, even a lengthy pit stop on lap 125 doesn’t rule a crew out of the fight, not when there’s pace in reserve for a late charge.

Three episodes in a row decided the outcome, not a steady pace across the distance: the botched pit stop on lap 125, the leader’s risky fuel-saving gamble and Kostecki’s pass in the closing metres. It was that combination, not the fastest lap of the race, that the #17 Ford Mustang carried home.

Competitive gaming has become a popular pastime among the Vietnamese public due to the success of Liên Quân Mobile. Domestic and international tournaments have drawn large fan bases to professional esports. The mobile game, known internationally as Arena of Valor, is a 5-player team strategy game that can be played with a smartphone. Vietnamese esports players have made international showcases and title wins that have brought them recognition across the world. Find out how Liên Quân has become one of the most well known esports games in Vietnam.

Liên Quân Mobile Became More Competitive Through the Establishment of a Pro League

The Đấu Trường Danh Vọng professional league launched in Vietnam in 2017, strengthening Liên Quân Mobile’s competitive structure. It gave clubs opportunities to develop player rosters, improve coaching methods, and establish recognizable identities. To stay connected during matches, many supporters run Melbet Android for instant score tracking, smooth mobile performance, and fast payouts. Supporters could follow familiar players and teams across multiple competitions throughout the season. Regular league matches also allowed fans to watch professional organizations without waiting for major international tournaments.

With the establishment of the league, the top teams in Vietnam faced greater competition. Teams were no longer able to rely solely on style and individual play to achieve success. Teams would analyze prior play, communication, drafts, and strategies to formulate their own. Coaches focused more on communication, team play, drafting, and game preparation. The pros provided a structure through which skilled mobile players could compete at a high level as part of an organized esports organization.

Why Liên Quân Became So Popular in Vietnam

Liên Quân has made use of both accessible gameplay and competitive mechanics which depend on teamwork and experience. The following have played a part in Liên Quân establishing a large fan base in Vietnam;

• Mobile friendly – Can be played on mobile phones and does not require expensive gaming computers or other specific gear.
• Team oriented – Teams of five allow for individual strengths, diverse tactics and specific roles.
• Local Tournaments – Provide an ongoing competitive scene with well known teams and major events happening constantly throughout the year.
• International competition – Allows Vietnamese pros to compete against the top from other regions in Arena of Valor.

This has allowed for a successful transition from casual to professional gaming in a manner that is identifiable. The game allows for fans to grasp the core gameplay and also the differences between pros and casual players.

Domestic Rivalries Have Created Recognizable Esports Teams

Liên Quân’s professional scene became more compelling as successful organizations developed loyal audiences and established competitive histories. Team Flash and Saigon Phantom have played important roles in that development. Their achievements show how domestic rivalries and international ambitions can strengthen the same esports community.

Team Flash Established Vietnam’s International Reputation

Team Flash became one of Vietnam’s most successful Arena of Valor organizations through strong domestic performances and international results. The team won both the Arena of Valor World Cup and Arena of Valor International Championship in 2019. Their legendary tournament runs inspired many fans to follow competitive match odds and fast payouts via nhà cái Melbet while supporting local teams. Those victories demonstrated that Vietnamese players could defeat leading opponents from other competitive regions.

Their success also changed expectations for professional teams competing in Vietnam. International championships required disciplined drafting, effective communication, and the ability to adapt during difficult series. Team Flash showed that domestic preparation could produce results against established international opponents. Their achievements gave younger competitors a clear example of what professional development could accomplish.

Saigon Phantom Built a New Period of Competitive Success

Saigon Phantom developed into another major organization through repeated domestic championship campaigns and strong international performances. The team became particularly recognizable for its aggressive play, coordinated team fights, and experienced competitive roster. Its continued presence near the top helped establish important rivalries within Vietnam’s professional league.

Winning the Arena of Valor Premier League in 2023 marked a significant achievement for Saigon Phantom. The title confirmed the team’s ability to compete successfully against strong regional opposition. Maintaining that standard required adjustments as opponents studied its strategies and individual players. Its progress demonstrated how new competitive leaders could emerge without weakening the overall professional scene.

Digital Coverage Has Made Professional Players More Accessible

Besides full tournament coverage, there are multiple ways to keep up with the popular game Liên Quân. Highlights for games, post-tournament interviews, and livestreams keep the public apprised of professional games. Brief highlight clips are made for surprise hero picks, key in-game team battles, and crucial events in the tournament finals.

Professional players also interact with the player base through individual livestreams and content between tournaments. This allows the audience to gain insight into the playing style of individual players and experienced players’ decision-making. Analysts can also provide content regarding map and draft choices, objective and hero control. These streams aid in the general comprehension of professional Liên Quân by providing content for players of all skill levels.

Vietnam’s Competitive Liên Quân Structure Provides a Strong Foundation for Future Growth

Vietnam already has a competitive ecosystem for mobile gamers that links amateur players to pros and global competitions. Saigon Phantom and Team Flash have both successfully competed outside of local competitions. Fans can also watch established and up-and-coming players through consistent events and online content. Continuing this ecosystem will aid in the growth of new talent and the expansion of Vietnam in the global esports scene.

The introduction of new Formula 1 regulations in 2026 has changed how teams approach car development. Engineers now face different challenges as they work to meet the FIA’s updated technical requirements. One of the biggest developments is Red Bull’s decision to compete with a power unit created through its partnership with Ford. While strong engine performance could give the team an advantage, it also brings challenges that may affect its results.

Major Technical Changes for the 2026 Formula 1 Season

Power units are at the center of the latest regulatory changes. Electricity now accounts for a much greater share of the power produced by Formula 1 engines, with the electric system capable of delivering around 350 kW. Another major change is the removal of the MGU-H, a complex component used in previous engine designs.

The regulations also introduce sustainable fuel and active aerodynamic systems. Together, these changes make energy management an essential part of racing. Producing more power is no longer enough on its own. Teams must also decide how to use their available energy effectively across an entire lap.

The growing importance of energy management in Formula 1 highlights how strategic decision-making can influence results. A similar emphasis on timing, risk assessment, and adapting to changing circumstances can be found in an online poker cardroom, where players must carefully evaluate their options rather than rely on luck alone.

The Hidden Challenges of High Engine Performance

An engine capable of producing more power than its rivals may seem like a clear competitive advantage. However, the 2026 regulations place greater demands on overall car performance. A successful power unit must operate reliably, maintain suitable temperatures, use energy efficiently, and work smoothly with the rest of the vehicle.

Prioritizing outright power without considering these factors could leave a team struggling with consistency. The problem becomes particularly noticeable on tracks where drivers need to carefully manage electrical energy between periods of acceleration.

Another factor is the FIA’s approach to manufacturers that fall behind in engine performance. Under the new rules, those facing a significant disadvantage may be given additional development opportunities. This means a manufacturer that starts the season ahead of its competitors cannot assume that its lead will remain unchanged.

Red Bull Faces a New Engineering Test

For Red Bull, the 2026 championship represents a major change in how the team operates. Its Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings engine development into the team’s own operations, creating new responsibilities for its engineers.

Building a competitive power unit involves more than achieving impressive performance figures. Different engineering departments must work closely together to ensure that every system functions as intended.

A powerful engine could still become a weakness if it suffers from technical failures, struggles to maintain the right operating temperature, or uses electrical energy inefficiently. Any of these issues could prevent Red Bull from turning its engine’s potential into strong race results.

Technical reliability and consistency will be crucial to Red Bull’s success throughout the 2026 season. Beyond Formula 1, the importance of preparation, calculated decisions, and adapting to unexpected challenges is also familiar to players exploring platforms such as poker-rooms.net, where strategic thinking plays a central role in competitive poker.

The Factors That Could Determine Red Bull’s Success

The new Formula 1 era places greater importance on the complete performance of a racing car rather than engine power alone. Teams need to combine strong acceleration with efficient energy use, effective aerodynamics, and dependable mechanical systems.

Red Bull’s position in the 2026 championship will therefore depend on how successfully it integrates its new power unit into the overall car package. Developing a fast engine is only part of the challenge. Maintaining reliable performance and responding quickly to the demands of the new regulations could ultimately determine whether the team remains among the championship’s leading contenders.

Powered by Illuminate, the Tour Features Team Partners Across All Three NASCAR National Series

PHOENIX, AZ – October 14, 2026 –  Illuminate this week launched Experience Circuit, an 18-race tour designed to bring fans into the garage, onto the grid and up on the pit box throughout the 2027 season. Entries are now open at ExperienceCircuit.com.

Experience Circuit, Powered by Illuminate, features team partners across all three NASCAR national series: the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and FedEx Freight Truck Series. Participating teams will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2027 tour will take place at tracks nationwide, including marquee race weekends such as the Daytona 500 and Bristol Night Race. Each Experience Circuit weekend will offer activities for fans of all ages and conclude with a party, bringing enthusiasts closer to the teams, drivers and behind-the-scenes culture that make every race weekend so exciting.

Experience Circuit marks Illuminate’s expansion into motorsports. A leading sports marketing agency focused on fan development, Illuminate creates dynamic fan engagement and partnership programs across the NFL. Now, Illuminate will give NASCAR fans more opportunities to connect with the sport and become part of its community through participating team partnerships.

“Next season, Experience Circuit will create an unprecedented new level of access and authenticity both on and off the track,” said Cody Van Vliet, Illuminate Founder. “Some fans have followed a team or driver for their whole lives, but most are still looking for a home team to support. That’s exactly what we’ll deliver with this exclusive community.”

Launch Celebration in Scottsdale

Experience Circuit will team up with Bender Extender and its Phoenix Party Car for a preview of what’s ahead on Friday, October 16, during NASCAR’s fall race weekend in Phoenix. The celebration will take place from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at Barstool Scottsdale, 4321 N. Scottsdale Road, in Old Town Scottsdale.

Join the Experience

Visit ExperienceCircuit.com to enter and follow the latest tour updates. Additional announcements will follow throughout the remainder of the 2026 season, with major news planned at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

ABOUT ILLUMINATE

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