Bathurst thrill for Newman rookie V8 ute driver

Newman rookie V8 ute driver Matthew Nolan admits to being nervous in his first run at Bathurst, but said he was happy with the way he finished the race weekend.

Nolan said he and the team were pleased with the 22nd- placed finish in the race around the Mount Panorama circuit.

"The finish was good considering we were only one of two teams to have never raced on Bathurst before," he said.

"To do better than what we expected as a team was really satisfying."

Nolan, who races for the Murphy Motorsport team, sits 24th place in the championship on 179 points, after six races.

He admitted to being nervous before the big race after seeing a few cars not finish the different stages of Mount Panorama.

"I was very nervous after seeing a few cars leave the circuit on a tow truck," Nolan said. "I was blown away to race at Bathurst … it was a huge thrill and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time."

Nolan believed he could do better in the future and was encouraged by the fact his car left the race weekend in great condition.

"I know I can be more competitive and go faster now I am used to racing on some of these tracks," he said.

"I am looking forward to racing at Bathurst again next year."

Nolan said he was looking forward to the next series race.

"It was a good weekend … the car is in good shape and we are ready to go for the Indy 600," he said.