Shannons Supercar duo finish in Bathurst top 20
Published on 08 October 2012
In front of the biggest crowd in the history of Mount Panorama, Shannons Supercar Showdown winners Jesse Dixon and Cameron Waters finished today’s grueling 1000 kilometer race in 20th position.
Driving the oldest car in the field, the two young guns made history by becoming the youngest every driver pairing to finish The Great Race.
2011 Supercar Showdown winner Cameron Waters started the event, stayed on the lead lap moving forward from the teams 29th grid spot and playing to the team strategy of driving to “finish the race.”
2012 Shannons Supercar Showdown winner, Jesse Dixon then stepped in for his stint and set very competitive times, given it was his first Bathurst appearance.
“I am over the moon. I can’t believe I have just finished the Bathurst 1000, in such a memorable year. I have to thank Shannons/carsales.com.au, Minda Motorsport and Kelly Racing for the opportunity of a lifetime,” Dixon said.
“I must also thank Ice Break Racing for giving me the opportunity in V8 Utes to get noticed and be picked to compete in the show – it has been an unbelievable ride. Many drivers are knocking on the door to get a start in motorsport, and the Shannons Supercar Showdown has been the key for me.”
Other than a radio communication problem and a small exhaust issue, the team never lifted the bonnet on the Shannons/carsales.com.au Holden and had a trouble free run to the finish achieving the goal of being the youngest ever duo to finish the event.
The teams best lap time of 2.12 was only 2.5 seconds off the fastest lap of the race, set by Shane Van Gisbergen.
The race result caps off a fairytale story for the 20 year old Gold Coaster, who promised his dying father that he would one day race at Mt Panorama. At just 11 years of age, Dixon set off on a single minded journey with the support of his Mother, Grandmother and Brother to fulfill his fathers wish - and today he delivered on the promise.
“I can’t thank Cameron enough, he was great support and I think we surprised quite a few people with our result. The Shannons Supercar Showdown is all about giving raw talent the opportunity of a lifetime, and for me – it’s the culmination of 9 years hard work. It proves if you are hungry enough, dreams can come true,” Dixon said
The 50th running of the Great Race delivered a record crowd to Mt Panorama, a 4th Bathurst win for Jamie Whincup, and through David Reynolds stirring second place, a clear message to all that is a changing of the guard is about to take place. Cameron Waters and Jesse Dixon will no doubt help lead that charge in future.
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