Erebus Motorsport arrives at the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000 on the front foot, as driver Lochie says the team is not just making up numbers and end a 32-year drought at Mount Panorama. Team principal Betty Klimenko has pointed to a specific preparation factor she believes gives Erebus a leg up this year, while co-driver Hughes added to the optimism by setting the pace in the final co-driver practice session.

The build-up has not been without setbacks for the broader Erebus camp. Kostecki's qualifying bid for a place in Bathurst history was cut short by a Supercars rookie, as Ford runners also struggled in the session.