Team 18 reveals fuel strategy software error caused Anton De Pasquale to run out of fuel on last lap of Bathurst 1000, owner Charlie Schwerkolt releases statement

Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt has confirmed no one will lose their job in the aftermath of the disastrous fuel error that cost Anton De Pasquale the Bathurst 1000.

In one of the most dramatic ever finishes to the Great Race, the No. 18 car looked set for victory going into the final lap with a slender lead over Brodie Kostecki.

But a gamble at the final pit stop to save time and put less fuel into De Pasquale’s tank, incorrectly thinking he had enough to finish, would backfire in the most spectacular fashion.

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Team boss Adrian Burgess said post-race the team were “absolutely gutted” by the error, while admitting they knew they were “f**ked” well before the fateful moment.

Having launched an investigation into the disaster, Schwerkolt released a statement on Tuesday confirming Team 18’s “fuel strategy software” was to blame for the error – but presented a united front.

“The investigation identified an issue within the team’s fuel strategy software, which resulted in the final fuel fill being less than the amount required to finish the race,” the statement reads.

“The issue has been resolved.

“This was a team responsibility. No single individual is to blame, and no one is being relieved of their position.

“ … We win as a team, and we lose as a team. On Sunday we lost as a team, but we will learn and grow from that.”

The reaction to the crucial blunder has been savage, with motorsport legend Greg Murphy adamant Team 18 had enough of a gap at the front come the final pit stop to avoid putting themselves at risk.

“They had so much time in hand! Why would you run it so close to the line?” Murphy questioned at the time.

“One more second of fuel going in that car …”

He later added: “It has to be a major error – someone has to own this because there is not an excuse.”

“They did not need to short fill that car as much as they did!” fellow great Garth Tander exclaimed as De Pasquale slowed on the final lap.

“Unfortunately Team 18 have got priors with this! They’ve done it here before in 2023 with both cars out of fuel. Same thing has happened to them on the Gold Coast in the past as well, a miscalculation with fuel.”

However, Schwerkolt has hit back at the criticism, in particular online “personal attacks” on Team 18 staff.

“We understand the scrutiny that comes with competing at this level and we don’t shy away from that responsibility,” his statement reads.

“However, we have been disappointed by some of the online reaction, particularly the personal attacks and content from organisations that have a responsibility to encourage a healthy and respectful online community.

“Behind every result are people, their families and years of commitment. We ask that this is kept in mind in how our sport’s stories are told and discussed.

“Team 18 owns this mistake, the team has come together this morning, discussed internally, and regrouped.”

Despite the horror finish, De Pasquale still qualified in seventh for the upcoming Repco Supercars Finals Series, which begins on October 23 on the Gold Coast.