Canberra's V8 Supercars rookie Zach Bates 'put everything on the line'

Canberran Zach Bates "still can't believe" he finished third at the Bathurst 1000 on Sunday.

It was the rookie's second time competing in the iconic race at Mount Panorama, where he started in pole position after topping Saturday's Top 10 Shootout.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be starting on pole for the great race. That was unbelievable," Bates said.

"I knew I had to put everything on the line."

The Canberra local is the son of former rally and Supercars driver Rick Bates, and the nephew of four-time Australian Rally champion Neal Bates.

His father Rick Bates said he "knew Zach had it in him", and added the 22-year-old had a "very good feel for a car".

"He's pretty determined, and he does push it, which you need to," Rick Bates said.

"All those drivers, they're the top 25 drivers in Australia, and you've got to be on your A-game when you turn up."

The rookie's surprise success comes after his mother and motorsport broadcaster Alison Drower died from cancer weeks before his Bathurst 1000 debut last year, in which he finished tenth.

The young driver said his mother's death was "incredibly difficult to take".

"[It] definitely gave me a bit of fire in my belly to get up every morning and try and do the best that I can,"

Bates said.

'Decent talent' in Canberra

Bates became a petrol head when he started recreational go-karting at the age of 10.

To some in the racing dynasty, that is considered late, as some young drivers reach for the go-kart wheel as young as six years old.

Go-karting, alongside simulation racing, has long acted as a gateway for young people to get involved in Canberra's racing scene.

"We all went through the go-karting stage, that's how you get into the sport. It's the way all the young kids come through,"

Bates said.

"It's a special part of your life because it's just usually your mum and dad getting a go-kart and going racing — and then it really spirals from there."

He attributes his talent behind the wheel to hard work, sacrifice, and a Canberra community that has backed him along his journey.

"I have an incredible amount of Canberra supporters and sponsors," Bates said.

"What you see on the weekend is years of sacrifice and support from local businesses and some really cool people within Canberra itself and surrounding areas."

He added his team, which includes two mechanics and engineers around his age, worked "incredibly hard".

"We're all just trying our best to make it happen," Bates said.

The 'tricky thing' about Canberra's racing scene

Bates said the lack of a car racing track in Canberra makes it hard for locals to get into racing.

"Of course it's a short trip to Sydney up the road, but it still makes it a little bit difficult for people to get into the sport if they want to,"

he said.

"Nonetheless, I think we do have some decent talent here."

But Rick Bates said he did not think being in Canberra, or any particular location, made a noticeable difference to race car drivers.

"Wherever you're based, there's a fair bit of travel involved," he said.

"Canberra is quite central for a base because there are rounds all over Australia."

The 22-year-old Canberran said he is preparing to face down some "absolute gurus" on the "gnarly track" at the Gold Coast 500 next weekend.