Get ready for a thrilling showdown at the Bathurst 12 Hour race, because Cameron Waters just threw down the gauntlet in the final practice session. But here's where it gets controversial—while Waters topped the charts with a blistering 2:02.3574s in the #222 Mercedes-AMG, he’s convinced his rivals are holding back. “I feel like there are a fair few people not showing their hand at the moment,” Waters teased, hinting at a qualifying session that could explode with hidden potential. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about speed; it’s about strategy. Waters isn’t fixated on pole position, but he knows a strong starting spot is crucial. “As long as we’re up the front and we can get a good start, we’ll be alright,” he said, balancing ambition with pragmatism. Meanwhile, Broc Feeney quietly slipped into the 2m02s bracket with the #64 Ford Mustang, securing his Qualifying 2 spot, while Marco Mapelli’s Lamborghini Huracan led for most of the session until Waters’ last-gasp effort. But let’s not forget the elephant in the room—notable absentees like the Arise Racing Ferrari 296 entries and the #888 Team GMR Mercedes-AMG raise questions about who’s truly in the game. Practice 6 wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a cutthroat qualifier, splitting the field into Qualifying 1 and 2. Optimum Motorsport’s #95 McLaren 720S barely clinched its spot in Q2, while Pro class heavyweights like Earl Bamber Motorsport’s Porsche 911 and Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Mercedes-AMG were left scrambling. As qualifying kicks off, the tension is palpable. Will Waters’ calm confidence pay off, or will his rivals unleash their true pace? And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is holding back in practice a smart strategy, or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments—this race is far from over!
