What Is 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 was a 1,000-kilometer endurance race held on October 27, 2002, at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, as part of the V8 Supercar Championship Series. It was won by Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly driving a Holden VX Commodore for the Holden Racing Team.

Key Facts

The 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 took place on October 27, 2002
It was held at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales
The race covered a distance of 1,000 kilometers
Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly won in a Holden VX Commodore
The event was part of the 2002 V8 Supercar Championship Series

Overview

The 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 was a premier endurance race in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series, marking one of the most anticipated events of the season. Held at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit, the race combined high-speed action with strategic pit stops and team coordination.

As the 43rd running of the Bathurst 1000, the event continued a long-standing tradition of motorsport excellence in Australia. The 2002 edition featured 52 laps over 1,000 kilometers, drawing top drivers and teams competing for victory in one of the world's most challenging circuits.

Event Date: The race occurred on October 27, 2002, marking the final round of the 2002 V8 Supercar season and serving as a season finale showdown.
Location: The race took place at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, a 6.213-kilometer track known for its steep elevation changes and high-speed straights.
Race Distance: The total race length was 1,000 kilometers, completed over 52 laps, testing both driver endurance and vehicle reliability under extreme conditions.
Winning Team: The Holden Racing Team (HRT) secured victory with drivers Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly piloting a Holden VX Commodore to first place.
Historical Context: This was the 43rd running of the Bathurst 1000, continuing a legacy that began in 1960 and solidifying its status as Australia’s premier motorsport event.

How It Works

The 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 followed the traditional format of endurance racing, where two drivers shared one car and alternated driving duties throughout the race. This format emphasized teamwork, fuel strategy, tire wear, and pit stop efficiency under pressure.

Endurance Format: Each car was driven by two drivers, with mandatory driver changes during pit stops to ensure both shared driving time over the 1,000-kilometer distance.
Qualifying: The Top 10 Shootout determined pole position, with Jason Bright securing first place in his Ford Falcon AU for Ford Performance Racing.
Pit Strategy: Teams executed 3–4 pit stops during the race, managing fuel, tire changes, and driver swaps to maintain track position and minimize time loss.
Car Specifications: All vehicles were V8 Supercars built to Group 3A regulations, featuring 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engines producing around 600 horsepower.
Safety Protocols: The race included multiple safety car periods due to crashes and debris, with officials using the pace car to neutralize the field and ensure safe track conditions.
Scoring System: Points were awarded based on finishing position, contributing to both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships in the 2002 V8 Supercar season.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishing teams in the 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000:

Position	Team	Car	Drivers	Laps Completed
1st	Holden Racing Team	Holden VX Commodore	Mark Skaife / Todd Kelly	52
2nd	Ford Performance Racing	Ford Falcon AU	Greg Murphy / Steven Richards	52
3rd	Stone Brothers Racing	Ford Falcon AU	David Besnard / Simon Wills	52
4th	Gibson Motorsport	Holden VX Commodore	Neil Crompton / Peter Brock	52
5th	Team Dynamik	Holden VX Commodore	Dean Canto / Paul Dumbrell	52

The close finish among the top contenders highlighted the competitive balance in the 2002 V8 Supercar Championship. All top five finishers completed the full 52 laps, underscoring the reliability and preparation of the teams. The narrow margin between first and second place—just over two seconds—demonstrated the intense on-track battles that defined the race.

Why It Matters

The 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 was a pivotal moment in Australian motorsport history, showcasing elite driving talent, engineering excellence, and national passion for V8 racing. Its outcome influenced championship standings and cemented reputations across the racing community.

Championship Impact: The result helped solidify Mark Skaife as a dominant figure in the 2002 season, contributing to his Drivers’ Championship title.
Legacy of Bathurst: The race reinforced Mount Panorama’s status as Australia’s most iconic racetrack, drawing over 200,000 spectators annually.
Manufacturer Rivalry: The close competition between Holden and Ford highlighted the intense brand rivalry central to V8 Supercars’ appeal.
Technological Benchmark: The event served as a proving ground for automotive engineering, with teams refining suspension, aerodynamics, and engine tuning.
Media Coverage: Broadcast nationally on Network Ten, the race reached millions, boosting the profile of Australian motorsport globally.
Cultural Significance: The Bathurst 1000 has become a national institution, often compared to events like the Daytona 500 or 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 2002 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 remains a celebrated chapter in motorsport history, remembered for its drama, skill, and enduring legacy in the V8 Supercar series.