Sandown 500

From Engine Changes to Co-Driver Shenanigans: The Wild World of Sandown 500!

Tune in as we take you through the highs and lows of the Sandown 500! We’ve got engines revving and co-drivers hustling in this Australian motorsport spectacle.

The Sandown 500 is here to rock your socks off, and Team 18 has kicked things up a notch by pulling an all-nighter on the #18 Chevrolet Camaro! After a thrilling start with David Reynolds and Warren Luff clocking in third fastest, they faced the high-pressure decision of performing a precautionary engine change. If you think swapping out an engine is like changing a light bulb - think again! It’s more like trying to fit a kangaroo into a hatchback; tricky, time-consuming, and liable to drive anyone hopping mad!

As the excitement builds, we delve into Practice 2, dedicated to co-drivers who are pacing themselves ahead of the big race. The Ford Mustangs, piloted by Tony D'Alberto from Dick Johnson Racing, Lee Holdsworth from Walkinshaw Andretti United, and Fabian Coulthard, are out there doing what they do best – burning rubber and trading paint in spectacular fashion. The thrill of the chase is real, and it’s all about finding the perfect balance between speed, control, and avoiding the dreaded wall of shame.

A unique aspect of this year’s Sandown 500 is that over a third of the Supercars field is doing double duty! These bold co-drivers are not just sitting pretty in the pit – they're hustling it out in the Super2 Series and Carrera Cup too. Talk about a packed schedule! You know what they say, "sleep is for the weak" – especially if you’re aiming for the podium across multiple races with minimal rest.

So gear up for Saturday’s action at the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 – it’s set to deliver hair-raising moments and nail-biting finishes! And if you’re wondering whether David Reynolds’ cheeky smile is from confidence or a caffeine high, he might just be pulling off both! Did you know? The Sandown 500 is one of Australia’s oldest touring car races, having been around since 1964! It’s not just a race; it’s a dazzling showcase of Aussie motorsport heritage. Buckle up, folks!

Fun fact: This year’s event marks the return of the popular co-driver race, where all 10 co-drivers are stepping up to prove they have got what it takes. Who knows, one of them might just steal the spotlight!