Hi to all you Supercars fans around the world!
On the weekend of June 27 to 28 the V8 Supercars returned to real racing for the Ultimate Sydney Supersprint. This was after 15 weeks of virtual racing they titled the E-Series.
It was also a milestone for Jamie Whincup who started his 500th race. Congratulations!
James Courtney made his return to the races since round 1.
Unfortunately, Will Davison was not on the grid due to sponsorship dramas.
There were 3 races over the weekend and each were 32 laps.
In the pre race sessions:
- Bryce Fullwoos was the fastes in the ‘Rookie Drivers Only’ Practice.
- Practice 1 Shane van Gisbergen was fastest.
- Practice 2 Jamie Whincup was fastest.
- Scott McLaughlin was fastest in the Armour All Qualifying for race 7 earning him pole position.
In race 7 Scott McLaughlin started on pole position alongside him was Shane Van Gisbergen.
Shane Van Gisbergen got the jump on Scott McLaughlin off the start line, but it was short lived and Scott McLaughlin took the lead in turn 1. Both Jamie Whincup and Shane Van Gisbergen were right on his tail.
Nick Percat got down the inside of Chaz Mostert at turn 5.
Alex Davison made contact with another car and pitted on lap 12 to retire from the race. Out of the 24 cars that started the race Davison was the only DNF.
In the middle of the race the drivers had completed their pit stops.
Towards the end of the race no one could catch the top 3 drivers. It was tense with Scott McLaughlin in the lead and the two Red Bull cars right on his bumper. Shane Van Gisbergen came across the finish line less the .2 sec behind Scott McLaughlan and Jamie Whincup over 9 seconds behind him.
Results for Race 7.
1st Scott McLaughlin – Shell V Power Racing Team.
2nd Shane Van Gisbergen – Red Bull Holden Racing Team.
3rd Jamie Whincup – Red Bull Holden Racing Team.
In race 8 Jamie Whincup started on pole position and alongside him was Shane Van Gisbergen.
Jamie Whincup got the jump at the start of his 500th race and led into turn 1. His teammate, Shane Van Gisbergen held position right behind him.
When the drivers further back in the pack pitted, the race leaders stayed out longer to hold track position.
Nick Percat returned to the track with fresh tyres after his pit stop.
Jamie Whincup was still the race leader.
In the middle of the race Nick Percat was on Jamie Whincup’s tail and after some laps got down the inside of him to take the lead.
Nick Percat held the number 1 position to the end. Jamie Whincup put up a good fight and towards the end of the race tried to re-pass Nick Percat but just couldn’t get the job done.
Results for Race 8
1st Nick Percat – Brad Jones Racing.
2nd Jamie Whincup – Red Bull Holden Racing Team.
3rd Scott McLaughlin – Shell V Power Racing Team.
In race 9 Scott McLaughlin once again started on pole position. Alongside him was Jamie Whincup.
Jamie Whincup got the jump at first but then Scott McLaughlin led into turn 1.
Mark Winterbottom was trying to get up the inside of Chaz Mostert early on.
For Nick Percat this was the start of 200th race.
The drivers further back in the pack came in early while the cars up the front stayed out longer to keep track position.
On return to the track Fabian Coulthard was on the charge trying to pass James Courtney, but Courtney kept him at bay.
By the middle of race Scott McLaughlin was the effective race leader.
In the last lap Fabian Coulthard’s car broke down. Nick Percat (in good sportsmanship) gave him a lift back to the pits (LOL)
Once again Scott McLaughlin was just too quick and took 1st position.
Results for Race 9.
1st Scott McLaughlin – Shell V Power Racing Team.
2nd Lee Holdsworth – Tickford Racing.
3rd Jamie Whincup – Red Bull Holden Racing Team.
The next event is the Truck Assist Sydney Supersprint July 18 and 19.