Feeney's Ford Bathurst Adventure: A Leap of Faith in the Dark?
A racing star is about to embark on a thrilling challenge, but is he ready?
Jamie Feeney, a renowned Supercars talent, is gearing up for his debut at the Ford Bathurst 12 Hour, but there's a catch. He confesses to feeling 'underprepared' for this high-stakes mission with the iconic Blue Oval team. With only a single Mustang GT3 in the lineup, the pressure is on.
The German-based Haupt Racing Team is at the helm, and Feeney will share the wheel with seasoned champions Chris Mies and Dennis Olsen. Despite his five previous Bathurst 12 Hour experiences, including four in GT3 cars, Feeney's latest adventure has a twist. He won't get behind the wheel until practice, leaving him with a sense of uncertainty.
But here's where it gets intriguing. Feeney, reflecting on his past success, believes the team's meticulous preparation and information sharing resemble his experiences with Triple Eight. And Ford's dedication to this endeavor is evident, as they've invested in comprehensive pre-brief meetings, a rare occurrence in GT racing.
And this is the part most people miss—Feeney's confidence stems from his trust in the team's processes, even though he hasn't driven the car yet. He says, 'I'll drive it as fast as I can and hopefully it's alright.'
Feeney's preparation hit a snag when his plans to train on Ford's advanced simulator during a US holiday fell through. He almost went to Charlotte for some GT3 practice, but the timing wasn't right. The simulator experience would have been invaluable, especially for mastering the car's intricacies, like pit lane maneuvers and button functions.
Controversially, some might argue that Feeney's approach is risky, but he remains unfazed. He believes his driving skills will adapt, and his recent practice sessions at Norwell and in a Trans Am car have kept him sharp. Feeney's focus is on starting the 2026 season strong, using the 12 Hour as a warm-up, rather than dwelling on past disappointments.
As the Supercars Championship roars into life at Sydney Motorsport Park next weekend, will Feeney's strategy pay off? Is his confidence in the team's preparation enough to secure success? Share your thoughts below!
