By CAITLYN CHALMERS

He may have finished third in last year's Bathurst 1000, but only first will be good enough for Jim Beam Racing's Will Davison in 2008.

Starting in his fifth race at The Mount, Davison will again pair up with fellow team-mate Steve Johnson with the hope of bettering their efforts from 2007.

After a successful year on the track with three podiums including first at Eastern Creek, Davison is confident that their team has what it takes to win.

"The whole year has been really good, its been a big step up", Davison said.

"The learning phase is over so there are no excuses and its pretty big stakes. Everything has to go like clockwork.

Third isn't good enough this year. I think we were hoping last year that we could win, but this year we are believing."

Davison currently sits fifth on the championship ladder with 1661 points, and while he concedes the title may be out of his grasp, is aware that anything can happen at Bathurst.

"I'm really happy with where I'm standing in the championship. Victory wasn't on the radar at the start of the year and I think it is still a little bit out of reach", Davison said.

"There is not much for me to lose but a lot to gain. If the guys ahead of me have a bad race and we can come up with a win I'm in with a chance.

"It's make or break for everyone in the championship".

With his contract with Jim Beam Racing up at the end of the year, Davison is aware that some tough choices need to be made.

"I know I have to make a big decision about my future but I've put it behind me until after Bathurst", he said.

"I'm putting 200 per cent into getting Bathurst. It's just as high on my radar as winning the championship.

"It's my fourth year at DJR and I'm just pumped for Bathurst. It would mean a lot to everyone if we could win it, the Johnson family is such a strong racing link".