A few days of fishing and a few tunes has Dubbo's Tyler Everingham ready to race at Mount Panorama.
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Part of the youngest team to ever take part in the iconic Great Race, Everingham will make his Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 debut later this week.
Everingham returned home for a 'few days of fishing' as part of his pre-race strategy, which will also see him listening to some music.
"I listen to music before the race to calm any nerves," he said.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the 2020 event will have reduced spectator numbers, which is unfortunate for the first-timer who said the event wouldn't be the same without the crowds.
"That's the best thing about the fans: not only do they provide energy and excitement to the event, but they're also a welcome distraction," he said.
"Someone will wave, another will call out and others cheer. It just won't be the same, because that's who you are racing for," he said.
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But, either way, Everingham said he's excited to get on the track.
"There is nothing like the feel of Bathurst," he said.
Sponsor, Lowes Petroleum Dubbo hosted a meet and greet on Monday to allow community members to give the driver a proper send-off.
Lowes Dubbo Depot Manager Amanda Harrington says the town will hold its collective breath on race day.
"We will all be cheering for a local to bring it home," she said.
Everingham will compete as a driver in the youngest team in this year's race and will have promising 21-year-old Jayden Ojeda as his co-driver.
When Craig Lowndes debut at the track in 1994, finishing second, Everingham wasn't even born.
And while Everingham's father can't stomach watching him in person, his mother, and manager, Cheree Everingham will be by his side on the day.
"He gets way too nervous - more than I do," Mrs Everingham said.
"I always get nervous. especially at the start, but once he is racing I start to relax a bit."
The 2020 Bathurst 1000 will start on Thursday, October 15, with the Great Race to be run on Sunday, October 18.
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