Supercars News: Andretti’s Mostert gets Ford’s first win of 2024

Chaz Mostert has snapped Ford’s winless start to the season, claiming victory in a tense race at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint in his Walkinshaw Andretti United Mustang.

The books will show a pole-to-win performance for Mostert, but it was anything but for the two-time Bathurst winner, who helped Walkinshaw Andretti United to its first win as a Ford team.

Mostert lost the lead to rookie teammate Ryan Wood off the line, and braved a bold strategy call by WAU to ultimately lead home championship leader Will Brown.

Brown, having taken on four tires at his stop, was forced to overtake Wood, who was denied a maiden Supercars podium by Cam Waters following a last-lap overtake.

With Broc Feeney fifth, Brown extended his lead from 71 to 103 points heading into Sunday.

WAU, meanwhile, powered from fifth to second in the teams’ standings, with Mostert 189 points behind Brown, who also scored fastest lap bonus points.

For Mostert, it was career victory No. 22, and his first since the 2022 Adelaide 500 and first since becoming a father.

“I’ve wanted this one for quite some time,” a relieved Mostert said post-race.

“It’s very special to do it here in Perth, special to do it for the team at Walkinshaw Andretti United, first one for Ford with the team, first one for the year for Ford as well which is pretty exciting.

“There’s so many people to thank, but I think this one’s a key one for Glen Holdsworth and the whole Holdsworth family, Lee’s given everything to this sport, Glen’s given everything to this sport, it’s really sad.

“Love to the whole Holdsworth family and that one’s for you Glen, and Ri, Everly everyone who’s in the background and picking you up when you’re never quite winning.

“We all want to win but it’s been a little bit of time for me. It’ll be great for our team, great for me, it’ll be a big confidence boost and the car was mega. We’ve come out swinging this year. and the car is even better after the test day.”

Defending Supercars Champion Brodie Kostecki stopped on the final lap of the race and was classified with a 22^nd place finish.

Mostert quickly set about opening up a lead, which crossed 0.9s by lap 22.

Wood opened up a 1.2s margin on Waters, with Brown and Feeney keeping up with the leading Fords.

Fighting Wood ultimately dented Brown’s chances, with Mostert managing the margin.

As Mostert raced away to victory by 4.9134s, Waters got down the inside of Wood, with the Tickford Mustang straddling the exit curb on the run to the line.

Supercars Perth Race 1 Results