Ford and Chevrolet split the early honours on opening day of practice for the Bathurst 1000 in New South Wales after late parity changes reshaped the competitive picture.

Officials approved Ford engine updates on the eve of running at Mount Panorama, drawing mixed reactions across the paddock.

The move followed assessments indicating Ford engines were down as much as 12 horsepower at altitude, risking a performance deficit.

Supercars’ engine facility tested packages earlier in the week and briefed the three homologation teams: Team 18 for Chevrolet, Triple Eight for Ford, and Walkinshaw WTWG.

To address the loss, Mustangs gained a 2mm larger air restrictor and an ECU change adjusting camshaft timing specifically for Bathurst.

The specification is temporary and will revert for the Gold Coast round later in October, underlining the iterative nature of parity management.

Chevrolet’s recent update targeted roll-cage ballast, reducing the Camaro’s additional weight from 4.4kg to just 0.8kg for this event.

The timing frustrated Team 18 boss Adrian Burgess, who criticised receiving critical adjustments the night before track action, with discussions ongoing and no firm solution.

Once running began, pace was competitive between brands on a dusty, low-grip Mount Panorama, with teams prioritising co-driver mileage and brake bedding.

Grove Racing’s Kai Allen topped the morning on 2:05.8586, nearly a quarter-second clear of Jayden Ojeda, as David Reynolds improved late on grippier tyres in the Team 18 Camaro.

Erebus Motorsport’s Lochie Dalton then came within 0.02s of Allen’s mark in the afternoon co-driver session, while also contesting the Super2 series for Blanchard Racing.

Dalton edged established names including Triple Eight’s Scott Pye and Grove Racing’s Tim Slade, reinforcing Erebus’s encouraging baseline.

Toyota’s Bathurst 1000 debut proved challenging, with the GR Supra of Chaz Mostert and Fabian Coulthard only 17th, almost two seconds off the outright pace.

Progress was limited later, as Jordan Boys managed 15th, just ahead of Bryce Fullwood, while Walkinshaw WTWG’s Fabian Coulthard and Jaxon Evans battled brake issues.

The late parity call adds to wider governance scrutiny that often envelops race weekends, echoing debates around race control decisions seen elsewhere this season.

The field returns Friday for two further practices and a 40-minute qualifying session, with rising grip expected to sharpen competitive order and strategic choices.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.