Bates' Stunning Bathurst 1000 Result: A Testament to Canberra's Racing Talent
Canberran Zach Bates finished third at the Bathurst 1000, a remarkable result for the 22-year-old rookie who started in pole position. Bates' success is attributed to his family's support and his own hard work, as well as the backing of the Canberra community.
Local racing driver Zach Bates has spoken about his surprise third-place finish at the Bathurst 1000, saying he "still can't believe" he achieved the result.
The 22-year-old Canberran started in pole position after topping Saturday's Top 10 Shootout, a feat he described as "unbelievable".
A Dream Start
"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be starting on pole for the great race. That was unbelievable," Bates said.
"I knew I had to put everything on the line."
Bates' success comes from a racing family; his father Rick Bates is a former rally and Supercars driver, and his uncle Neal Bates is a four-time Australian Rally champion.
Family Support
Rick Bates said he "knew Zach had it in him", and added that his son had a "very good feel for a car".
"He's pretty determined, and he does push it, which you need to," Rick Bates said.
"All those drivers, they're the top 25 drivers in Australia, and you've got to be on your A-game when you turn up."
Overcoming Adversity
Bates' mother and motorsport broadcaster Alison Drower died from cancer weeks before his Bathurst 1000 debut last year, in which he finished tenth.
The young driver said his mother's death was "incredibly difficult to take".
"[It] definitely gave me a bit of fire in my belly to get up every morning and try and do the best that I can," Bates said.
Canberra's Racing Scene
Bates became involved in motorsports through recreational go-karting at the age of 10, which he believes acts as a gateway for young people to get into racing.
"We all went through the go-karting stage, that's how you get into the sport. It's the way all the young kids come through," Bates said.
He attributes his talent to hard work, sacrifice, and support from the Canberra community.
"I have an incredible amount of Canberra supporters and sponsors," Bates said.
"What you see on the weekend is years of sacrifice and support from local businesses and some really cool people within Canberra itself and surrounding areas."
Bates also praised his team, saying they worked "incredibly hard".
"We're all just trying our best to make it happen," Bates said.
Challenges and Future Events
Bates noted that the lack of a car racing track in Canberra makes it difficult for locals to get into racing.
"Of course it's a short trip to Sydney up the road, but it still makes it a little bit difficult for people to get into the sport if they want to," he said.
"Nonetheless, I think we do have some decent talent here."
Rick Bates disagreed, saying location doesn't have a major impact on race car drivers.
"Wherever you're based, there's a fair bit of travel involved," he said.
"Canberra is quite central for a base because there are rounds all over Australia."
Bates is set to face a tough challenge at the Gold Coast 500 next weekend, competing against "absolute gurus" on a "gnarly track".