Steve Johnson clean sweeps Bathurst and makes history

Steven Johnson became the first driver ever to win all four Touring Car Masters races on the same weekend to finish a dream weekend at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International in style.

More than five years ago the category introduced the four-race format, but no one had managed to clean sweep the weekend until now when Johnson jumped in his Ford Mustang running a livery saluting Allan Moffat’s Brut car from yesteryear.

After recording the historical achievement at Mount Panorama, Johnson was just thrilled to deliver some success to his hard-working crew.

It started with a win in the Trophy Race on Saturday morning which delivered 200 TCM race wins for Ford.

In only his second event in the Russell Hancock owned Mustang, Johnson took the lead early in the race and ultimately took the win from Hansford when the safety car came out following Adam Bressington’s visit to the turn one sand trap.

“I am just stocked for Russell, Julie and the whole team to have the opportunity to drive this beautiful car because it has been sitting around for a while,” he said.

“It is a pleasure to drive and I am not is rusty after all.”

Ryan Hansford was solid all weekend and extended his TCM series lead over John Bowe. 2022 Bathurst International.
Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. Image: Daniel Kalisz-ARG

Behind the dominant Johnson, Ryan Hansford came home second to collect more valuable points in his championship assault, while his main rival John Bowe came home fifth.

Completing the podium was Andrew Fisher, who added some silverware alongside his maiden pole to round out a memorable weekend.

While it may had been calm at the front with Johnson leading every lap of the race, there was plenty of drama behind with many incidents and odd moments.

Andrew Fisher in the Jesus Racing Torana had a great weekend and finished the final race on the podium.2022 Bathurst International.
Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales. Image: Daniel Kalisz-ARG

The biggest flashpoint occurred at The Cutting where Cameron Tilley spun Danny Buzadzic around in scenes almost reminiscing 2005.

Fortunately the track was not blocked with Buzadzic able to recover before retiring his Allan Grice inspired Holden Toarana.

Tony Karanfilovski also had a high-speed off at The Chase, while Ben Dunn’s left-rear tyre suddenly departed his Chevrolet Monza.

Moments later Tilley limped to the pits without a windscreen which somehow collapsed into the cockpit.

Despite the chaos, Johnson cruised to a commanding flag to flag win to complete a perfect weekend which will go down into the history books.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of Auto Action.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport.