Canberra Rookie Zach Bates Takes Third at Bathurst 1000

Starting from pole position at one of Australia's most grueling races would terrify most rookies, but Zach Bates saw it as his chance to honor everything his family and community had given him.

The 22-year-old Canberra driver finished third at the Bathurst 1000 on Sunday, crossing the finish line at Mount Panorama with a podium placement that still feels surreal. He topped Saturday's qualifying shootout to earn pole position, a feat he never imagined possible at this stage of his career.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be starting on pole for the great race," Bates said. "I knew I had to put everything on the line."

Racing runs deep in the Bates family. His father Rick competed in rally and Supercars, while his uncle Neal claimed four Australian Rally championships. Rick says his son has always shown natural talent and the determination needed to compete against Australia's top 25 drivers.

But Zach's journey to the podium carries extra weight. His mother Alison Drower, a motorsport broadcaster, died from cancer just weeks before his Bathurst debut last year, where he finished tenth while processing unimaginable grief.

"It was incredibly difficult to take," Bates said. "It definitely gave me a bit of fire in my belly to get up every morning and try and do the best that I can."

Why This Inspires

Bates started go-karting at age 10, considered late by racing dynasty standards where some kids start at six. He credits his success not to early advantages but to years of sacrifice from his family and unwavering support from Canberra businesses and residents.

"I have an incredible amount of Canberra supporters and sponsors," he said. "What you see on the weekend is years of sacrifice and support from local businesses and some really cool people within Canberra itself."

His young team of mechanics and engineers, most around his age, work tirelessly alongside him. Together they're proving that talent, community support, and sheer determination can overcome any obstacle, including Canberra's lack of a local racing track.

The absence of hometown facilities means aspiring racers must travel to Sydney for practice, creating extra hurdles for young drivers. But Bates sees Canberra's central location as an advantage for competing in rounds across Australia, and he believes the city has "decent talent" waiting to break through.

Next weekend, Bates heads to the Gold Coast 500, ready to face racing's biggest names on what he calls a "gnarly track," fueled by a community that believed in him from the start.