Why is Zach Bates trending in Australia?
Zach Bates, a 22‑year‑old rookie for Matt Stone Racing, captured pole in the Bathurst 1000 top‑ten shootout, beating established drivers and joining an elite club of first‑time pole‑sitters. His surprise performance has drawn widespread attention in Australian motorsport.
What happened
- Saturday, 10 Oct, 06:30 UTC
Bates set the fastest time in the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout, securing pole for the Bathurst 1000 by nearly three‑tenths of a second over Brodie Kostecki [2]
- Earlier in the week
Bates earned a full‑time seat with Matt Stone Racing after a wildcard drive with Triple Eight in 2023 and a 2024 Super2 Series championship [1]
What you need to know
Pole was earned in Bates’s first full‑time Supercars season.
He became the youngest driver to claim Bathurst pole since the 1990s.
Bates shares the #10 Bendix Camaro with Aaron Seton for the race.
His performance was praised by veteran Jamie Whincup, who helped bring him into the series.
It is not yet confirmed how Bates will finish the Bathurst 1000 race, as the event has not started.
Background
Zach Bates rose through the Super2 Series, winning the 2024 championship before moving to the top‑tier Supercars championship with Matt Stone Racing. His wildcard appearance with Triple Eight in 2023 gave him exposure to the main series.
The Bathurst 1000 is Australia’s premier endurance race, and the top‑ten shootout determines the starting grid. Securing pole is a prestigious achievement, historically dominated by experienced drivers.
Bates’s pole places him alongside past one‑off pole‑sitters Craig Lowndes (1996) and Mark Larkham (1999), highlighting the rarity of a rookie achieving this feat.
Questions people ask
Has Zach Bates ever taken pole at Bathurst before?
No, this is his first pole position at the Bathurst 1000.
What team does Zach Bates drive for?
He drives for Matt Stone Racing in a Bendix Camaro, sharing the car with Aaron Seton.
Why is his pole considered a shock?
He is a rookie in his first full‑time season and beat seasoned competitors, including Brodie Kostecki who was aiming for a record fourth consecutive pole.
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.