Nothing to lose for HRT heading to Bathurst.

The Holden Racing Team will aim to put the disappointment of Sandown in the past this weekend as the V8 Supercars head to Mount Panorama for the biggest race of the season - the Bob Jane T-Marts Bathurst 1000.

Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly had looked on for a good result at Sandown, running at the head of the field despite a minor off during his stint.

However Skaife got caught up in an accident involving Glenn Seton which forced him to pit for repairs, dropping him way down the order before he finished 23rd.

Skaife admits that going into this weekend, the team has nothing to lose.

"To win at Bathurst is what it is all about - nobody remembers who came second," he said. For the first time in many years we have nothing to lose. We don't have a Championship to protect so we can take a few risks in strategy to give it our best shot. We front up in our repaired chassis #049, which feels as good as it's ever been, despite a bit of a crunch at Sandown.

"It's a good car - we know it inside and out, we know its strengths and weaknesses - and it can do the job. With our top drivers paired off in HRT #2, we should be consistently fast all race, whereas some other teams have had to split their lead drivers to protect championship points.

"Fuel economy will be critical and it would be nice to reduce our scheduled pit stops to four and a splash. This translates to an advantage in track position and time saved over those teams requiring a full five stops. You need plenty of luck at Bathurst, which has been a rare commodity for HRT this year, but it's due to turn around and Sunday could be it."

Co-driver Kelly is also looking forward to Bathurst and he feels the team have a package that is capable of winning the race.

"This is a race I'm really looking forward to," he said. "We go to Bathurst with what I reckon is the full package required to win the day. We might not have the fastest straight-line speed like a couple of the others, but engines alone do not win Bathurst.

"The best package includes the ability to perform fast and consistent pit stops under strategies right for the situation. Our boys are keen and at the top of their game at the moment, so both Skaifey and I can expect all the support we need to do the job.

It will be the end of an era when the chequered flag falls on the second HRT entry, as Bathurst legend Peter Brock competes for the final time. The nine time winner of the most famous race on the calendar will be making his 36th appearance at Mount Panorama, with British Touring Car driver Jason Plato lining up alongside him.

Brock believes it is possible that he can say goodbye to the race with a podium finish.

"Both Jason Plato and I are looking forward to going really well in HRT #05," he said. "For us a podium is not out of the question if everything goes to plan. But the best strategies can fall over depending on how the race unfolds - you have to think on your feet and be flexible. Revise plans if the situation calls for it.

"Changeable weather, mechanical malfunction and pure luck (or lack of it) are all major factors. You need to go with the flow. Fuel economy is important with four stops the maximum if possible. Safety cars can affect calculations.

"Experienced drivers will avoid traffic snarls that can drag sand, dirt and oil on to the track and cause unscheduled pit stops for broken spoilers, flat tyres etc. It's something the younger blokes have to watch out for."