Bathurst 1000 wildcard hopeful denied Superlicence

Michael Anderson’s plans to enter the 2022 Repco Bathurst 1000 as a wildcard have been quashed following a Motorsport Australia ruling.

The Bathurst builder had spoken enthusiastically about ticking off a lifelong dream to tackle the Mount Panorama 161-lapper in October.

Speedcafe.com understands the Anderson Motorsport programme had initially been granted conditional approval by Supercars hinging on various factors, including the promise of a high-profile co-driver.

However, a major hurdle has now been hit, with Motorsport Australia confirming Anderson himself has failed to secure a Superlicence dispensation, which is required to race at Supercars Championship level.

THE FINAL RACE OF THE 2023 REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP ON ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST STREET CIRCUITS.
GO ALL IN AT THE VAILO ADELAIDE 500, CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

“We can confirm that Michael Anderson has not been given a Superlicence,” a Motorsport Australia spokesperson said.

Anderson’s experience behind the wheel includes being a Super3 Series race winner in 2021.

His team is this year fielding rising talent Brad Vaughan in the third-tier category.

Anderson Motorsport of course can still take part in the Bathurst 1000, but will now need to find two drivers with Superlicence credentials.

The squad acquired a Dick Johnson Racing-built Mustang for the occasion.

DJR (commercially known as the Shell V-Power Racing Team) however was quick to clarify its involvement – or lack thereof – in running the car.

Anderson Motorsport was due to be one of at least four wildcards in this year’s Great Race, which was to see a 29-car grid all up.

The Supercheap Auto/Triple Eight Race Engineering car is back for a second successive attempt, now with Craig Lowndes and Declan Fraser, while Boost Mobile/Erebus Motorsport has revived its efforts for Richie Stanaway and Greg Murphy.

Matt Chahda Motorsport will also enter the event, with Matt Chahda and a yet-to-be-confirmed co-driver.