Software glitch blamed for Team 18's last-lap catastrophe at Bathurst

An investigation into the how Team 18's No.18 Camaro ran out of fuel on the final lap of the Bathurst 1000 while leading has identified an issue in the fuel strategy software as the culprit.

According to the team, the issue has been resolved.

"This was a team responsibility," read a team statement. "No single individual is to blame, and no one is being relieved of their position. The team has evolved significantly over the years, with new personnel, a new driver line-up and improvements in our processes and operations.

"To be fighting for poles, podiums and wins, and to have been in contention for victory at Bathurst, reflects the progress on that journey and gives us belief in what we can achieve together going forwards. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. On Sunday we lost as a team, but we will learn and grow from that.

"We understand the scrutiny that comes with competing at this level and we don’t shy away from that responsibility. However, we have been disappointed by some of the online reaction, particularly the personal attacks and content from organizations that have a responsibility to encourage a healthy and respectful online community. Behind every result are people, their families and years of commitment. We ask that this is kept in mind in how our sport’s stories are told and discussed.

"Team 18 owns this mistake, the team has come together this morning, discussed internally, and regrouped. Our focus is firmly on fighting for the championship for Anton De Pasquale and the No. 18 DEWALT Racing Chevrolet as the Supercars Finals Series begins on the Gold Coast next week."

Sunday's race marked the second time in recent years that Team 18 has been derailed by fuel problems at Bathurst. Both of its cars ran dry during the 2023 race, ultimately resulting in three senior members of the managerial and engineering team being replaced.