Meet the contestants who will battle it out for a spot on the grid at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 alongside host Grant Denyer. Each young driver has their own story and they've come from far and wide to compete this unique driving competition. Before they hit the circuit they must prove their skill on the road, with the first challenge a learner driver test. For some of the contestants, driving on the streets instead of the track will prove tougher than it looks. One contestant could be going home before they've even settled in.
When you're a V8 Supercar driver, you need to know you can trust your team. In this challenge, one contestant drives the challenge car blindfolded while the passenger gives directions. This gives Rick and Todd the chance to view communication and listening skills.
This week, they take to the go-kart track in a reward challenge that will test their track driving skills. And as one driver crashes out, there is a timely reminder for our contestants that motorsport is a very dangerous game. Then, to avoid elimination, each of the young drivers must prove that they have what it takes to drive at Bathurst. But can our rookie drivers multitask? This week's elimination challenge will see them navigate a complex track whilst recalling a series of numbers in order. The dream of driving at Bathurst will be dashed for the weakest performer as they will be sent packing.
This week the contestants step out of the cars and into the media spotlight as they front the press. Then, in an elimination challenge that will have our drivers in a spin, each contestant must master a slalom course that reflects the challenges of driving a v8 supercar in the wet.
With the field narrowed to seven racing hopefuls, the competition heats up as the drivers get their first run on the Bathurst track in a V8 supercar simulator. And in this week's elimination challenge, the contestants must show off their skills in the corners and be fastest around the skid pan to avoid being eliminated.
This week we put the rookies to the test, the beep test and see if they're fit enough to drive in Australia's toughest enduro. Kelly Racing's Sport Scientist and Trainer Damian Prasad pushes each contestant to their physical limit, leaving South Australian Samantha Reid gasping for breath! Then the rookies team up and take to the track in a Driver Change Elimination Challenge.
With the field halved, it's time for the final five to get their hands dirty. In a Mars Used Car Reward Challenge each rookie will need to race against the clock to repair a broken down used car. For Apprentice Mechanic Nick Foster the challenge should be a cinch! Then, in the Elimination Challenge contestants must navigate a course designed by champion driver John Rosengrove. The worst performer here will be going home.
With the final four fighting it out for a spot on the Bathurst grid, the competition is hotting up. To simulate the extreme cockpit temperatures of a V8, the contestants enter a Bikram Yoga studio in a heated Mars Melting Reward Challenge. Full race suits must be worn, while contestants race against the clock to complete a challenging 3D puzzle. Next, Todd and Rick Kelly visit the Jayco Base Camp for a surprise inspection. And Cameron Waters is put on notice when the Kelly boy's confiscate contraband from his trailer.
It's down to the final three, In this week's Mars Reward Challenge its lights, camera, action as the contestant prove themselves worthy of representing their sponsors. Today, they'll be starring in a Shannons TV commercial to see if they've got what it takes. Then they head to the Shannon's Supercar Showdown track for their first solo hot lap in the Renault Megane R.S. 250 Cup Trophee Challenge Cars.
The remaining three competitors graduate from the Renault Megane Challenge Car to the Shannons Mars Racing V8 Supercar for their first solo drive in the V8 Supercar that one of them will be racing at Bathurst. Can the final three competitors withstand the pressure when it means the most. As the drivers try to avoid elimination and head into the final of the Shannons Supercar Showdown.
After 10 episodes the final two contestants remaining are both tested to the absolute limit in the season finale under the watchful eye of judges and former Bathurst winners Todd and Rick Kelly. The winner will race alongside the show's host Grant Denyer aboard the #77 Shannons Mars Racing V8 Supercar at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
V8 Supercar legends Rick and Todd Kelly have scoured Australia and the world for drivers from all walks of life. Over eleven eventful weeks our ten rookie drivers will face off in a series of sudden death challenges. There will be tears, tantrums and plenty of laughs as the contestants vie for the ultimate prize - a spot on the starting grid of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. This year the competitors come from all corners of the globe, and from all walks of life. From a father of two, to a passionate Texan - the group is as entertaining as it is diverse. In this first episode one rookie's journey comes to a grinding halt, while another is brought to tears...
It's week two of Shannons Supercar Showdown, and our ten rookies have no idea what's in store for them as they head to a mystery location for this week's reward challenge. Although all ten contestants narrowly escaped elimination last week, two contestants were put on notice and for them the reality of elimination starts to sink in. A shock evictee is farewelled, with the others left to grapple with the uncertainty of what's to come. And how did the first week with their new roommates go? Were bonds formed, strengthened or broken?
Last week our 10 rookies got their first taste of elimination. They now have a 1 in 9 chance to race in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. It's week three and the contestants are preparing for a new round of challenges. Who will be eliminated this week?
It's week four and the contestants are preparing for a new round of challenges...and for our eight remaining rookies the elimination room looms. As the drivers arrive at the Supercar Showdown race track they realise Todd Kelly is not standing next to his brother Rick -- instead it's a celebrity guest judge and Australian Motor sport legend...Who will it be? And in a shocking twist this week, the poorest performing team are asked to step forward. Will two people be sent home tonight?