He didn't have a fairytale solo shootout lap to farewell Bathurst as a lead driver but Lee Holdsworth is content with his sixth placed finish and looking forward to a post-retirement return.
The Penrite Racing driver announced his departure from Supercars in August after becoming the 11th driver in history to reach 500 races.
His 2021 Bathurst victory alongside Chaz Mostert will always top his achievements, Holdsworth said, but a sixth-place in his final Mount Panorama round was welcome.
"To finish P6 I'm pretty happy," Holdsworth told AAP.
"Anytime you finish in the top 10 around here is a good effort.
"I get the most of myself at this place and the most out of the car.
"I just wanted to enjoy it. I wanted to finish the race and I wanted a podium - that would have been fantastic - but it just wasn't to be."
Holdsworth, 39, almost fell short of reaching his recent career milestone after spending 2021 without a full-time seat.
But Penrite gave him a second chance in 2022 and he sits 12th on the championship standings with one podium and nine top 10 finishes.
Since his August retirement announcement, Holdsworth said the reaction from Supercars lovers had been heart-felt.
"I'm quite chuffed with the response from the fans," he said.
"After announcing my retirement there's been a lot of congratulations.
"That's been a pretty special thing for people to congratulate you on your career and also wish you the best of your future.
"Everyone wants to see me come back for enduros in the future and a lot of fans are coming out of the woodwork, which is cool.
"I'll be back next year."
