RACING WITH NICK PERCAT: THE ROAD TO THE BATHURST 1000

The world of Supercars is a realm of speed, precision, and relentless competition. With a career marked by triumphs and challenges, Nick has become a name synonymous with motorsports.

Nick Percat's journey through the world of Supercars has been a testament to his dedication and unwavering passion for the sport. He's seen the highs of victory and faced some stiff setbacks, embodying the resilience of a true racing enthusiast.

As a partner with Walkinshaw Andretti United this season, we had the opportunity to catch up with Nick Percat to learn about the difference in preparing for a sprint and endurance race, and more specifically, we delved into the intricacies of how Nick meticulously prepares himself for the biggest race of them all, the Bathurst 1000.

What is your title and role with Walkinshaw Andretti United?

Driver for the Mobil 1 NTI Racing Car 2 at Walkinshaw Andretti United

How do you feel about the team’s performance in the season so far?

This year has been a year of learning for myself and the team with Gen3 coming in this year, it’s a whole new beast to learn which has been really interesting. The team has been hard at work all year whether it’s at the race track or back at the workshop between rounds, I couldn’t ask for a better team behind me.

Do you prefer sprint races or endurance races?

I prefer endurance races, they are my favourite because every team member gets to be involved from the engineers to mechanics to the pitstop crew. With enduro races, strategy comes into play more with pit stops and fuel loads and it’s also great having a co-driver beside me because we can work together to find the strengths and weaknesses of the car to improve it over the weekend.

Is there any difference in how you prepare for a sprint race, compared to an endurance race?

In terms of fitness and nutrition preparations, there is not much of a difference between sprint and endurance races. Between rounds I have a strength and conditioning program with my trainer Heath. For endurance races we like to focus on endurance exercise to make sure I’m fit for the longer races.

How do you approach tyre management in sprint races compared to endurance races?

This year we are on the soft tyre at Bathurst. You’ve got to be smart with tyre management around The Mountain. You need to push when it’s appropriate but also know when to conserve the tyre. If you don’t manage your tyres properly you will lose grip very quickly and really struggle to get the car around the track.

Is pole position always the best place to start for both sprint or endurance races?

Pole position is the best place to start for any race, it gives you clean air in front as you take off the line and you also get the inside line into the first corner.

How do you prepare for the Bathurst 1000?

Bathurst prep is pretty similar to endurance race prep. There are a lot of commitments for drivers in the lead-up to Bathurst and you want to be going into each session energised and ready to perform.

What’s your favourite Bathurst 1000 memory?

My favourite memory would have to be my 2011 Bathurst 1000 win, it was pretty special to go out and win on my debut. I grew up watching Bathurst every year, seeing my idols compete for the top step of the podium and I dreamed that one day it would be me up there. You can’t describe what it’s like to be on the top step, there is no other feeling like winning the Bathurst 1000.

What’s the toughest part about the Bathurst 1000?

There is not one single part that you can pinpoint as the toughest part of the Bathurst 1000, it's a gruelling race, it takes over six hours to complete whilst you are putting the car and your body on the line the whole time.

What makes the Bathurst 1000 so special?

Bathurst is one of the best tracks in the world, there is no other track like it, it’s the ultimate battleground. It’s one of the fastest tracks we go to on the calendar, hitting speeds of up to 300km/h. It’s so hard to win but when you do, there is no other feeling like it.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

It’s not so much a pre-race ritual but I do have a ritual for Bathurst. I always save a few unused sets of full race-kits for Bathurst so when I go out for the final stint of the race, after being in the car all day, it feels like it’s back to the morning and everything is nice and fresh.

What advice would you give to young drivers aspiring to compete in Supercars?

Advice I would give to young drivers aspiring to compete in Supercars is to never give up, some days will be tougher than others but those are the days where you learn and grow as an athlete. The only person you are competing against is yourself, if you can continue to be better than you were yesterday you’re on the path to success.