New Zealand driver Shane van Gisbergen has moved within striking distance of the overall lead after a stunning victory in the Virgin Australian Supercars Championship in Townsville today.
The Red Bull Racing Holden driver took advantage of an early pit stop and showed remarkable skill to nurse his deteriorating tyres late in the race.
He produced a superb overtaking effort to out-manoeuvre defending series champion Mark Winterbottom mid-race, and held on despite a late safety car period.
“I knew the pass on Mark (Winterbottom) was critical,” a delighted van Gisbergen said. “I needed to get to the front and get some clear air and keep the tyres cool. I just tried to back up into him and wear out his tyres.
“I was a bit worried after the safety car with the guys coming on fresh rubber, but I had heaps of grip. I am stoked. It’s a great day for the team.”
Van Gisbergen moves to within 53 points of his teammate Jamie Whincup who continues to lead the championship after finishing fourth in today’s 200km race.
Winterbottom was pipped for second place in a drag race for the line by Holden’s James Courtney, who smashed his way through the field from 12th in the final seven laps on fresh rubber after his team took the risk to come in under the safety car.
The leading seven cars all remained out, and while Courtney hauled in car after car, van Gisbergen had clear air to claim the win, his third of the season after earlier victories in Tasmania and Darwin.
It proved a good race for fellow Kiwi Scott McLaughlin who qualified sixth and ran strongly to finish fifth, and remain fifth in the championship.
Of the other Kiwis Fabian Coulthard was 14th for Team Penske, Chris Pither 21st for Super Black Racing while Andre Heimgartner did not finish.
Coulthard and Australian David Reynolds will head to Auckland this week to help launch the ITM Auckland SuperSprint event, New Zealand’s sole stop in the Supercars Championship, set for 4-6 November at Pukekohe Park Raceway.
The next stop in the championship is the Ipswich SuperSprint on 22-24 July.
Comments