The 1988 Bathurst appeared to be a pre-determined race, with Dick Johnson Ford Sierra dominating the ATCC season. Off-track drama also overshadowed the event, from long-time sponsor withdrawing, to protests and counter-protests about the legality of some cars. Unsuccessful protests caused undue damage to the cars, as they had to be stripped and rebuilt, with many teams struggling to re-tune their cars. Qualifying positions were taken from the Friday practice sessions, with the Saturday Top 10 Shoot Out becoming an invitation 12, and prize money being the only reward.

 

Ford Sierras set the top 7 qualifying times, with Grice and Percy in their Holden VL Commodore setting the 11th fastest time, almost 6 seconds behind pole sitter Johnson. From a rolling start, the Sierras put a great distance between themselves and the rest of the field. It seemed the Sierras would be fighting amongst themselves for race honours, but they had to contend with strews of mechanical failures. Only 18 of the 48 race starters were classified as finishing. The Holden VL Commodore of Grace and Percy finished in 15th position completing 139 laps of 161.