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How to tune into Sport NationCan Ford overcome recent Bathurst struggles?
Nicholas Quinlan • October 11th, 2025 12:08 am
Supercars legend and commentator Mark Skaife has given his thoughts as to whether a Ford car will be able to win the Bathurst 1000.
Over the last 10 editions of the great race, Ford has only once claimed the Peter Brock Trophy in that time span with their last win happening in 2019.
This is despite a somewhat even record between Ford and the Holden/Chevrolet cars for pole position during that same span.
The six-time Bathurst 1000 champion was asked by Cameron Mooney as to why the Ford cars have struggled to win at Mount Panorama, with Skaife noting that it was a culmination of different factors.
“Lots of different reasons,” Skaife explained on SEN 1116’s Breakfast.
“I know they have been talking about straight line pace, and there has been some changes to the car for the last two events and for this one.
“So straight line speed is a big thing at Bathurst, but a lot of what it is minimising mistakes.
“In a race like this, there are going to be mistakes all day. You’ve got to think on your feet and minimise them.
“So, if you think about what happens over 1000 kilometres, there’s going to be six pit stops, seven stints. The co-driver has to do a minimum of 60 laps this year.
“Throughout all of that, throughout all the pit stop chaos and throughout all the driving across 161 laps…to minimise the mistakes is crucial.
“The only way to win this race is to try and come out of the day with a clean sheet.
“And I think over the last little while…I mean, Triple Eight (Holden/Chevrolet team) have been the number one team (but) over the last little while it’s just been a combination of mistakes which have cost a lot of those teams in the course of history.”
But despite the lack of success that Ford cars have had around the circuit, Skaife has tipped that Cam Waters and Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom (Monster Castrol Racing/Tickford Racing) can help claim.
“I reckon Frosty with Cam Waters will be a really good combination,” he said.
“And I think him (Winterbottom) being so close to being a full-time driver just recently. He’s only just got out of the chair.
“Cam has been fast; he’s been a bit of a bridesmaid so far, he’s been second a couple of times.
“So, I think for them, they’ve got a big chance of winning on Sunday afternoon.”
Heading into the Top 10 Shootout on Saturday, there will be five Ford cars and five Chevrolets lining up to claim pole position, with Brodie Kostecki (Shell V-Power Racing Team/Dick Johnson Racing) taking out Friday’s qualifying session with a blistering 2.04.031.
SEN will have live coverage of the Top 10 Shootout for the Bathurst 1000 from 4pm AEDT on Saturday through the SEN app.
