Hi to all you Supercars Fans around the world!
On the weekend of August 29 and 30, 2020 was the NTI Townsville Supersprint.
Three races were run, each 39 laps of a Townsville Reed Park street circuit.
In the first race of the weekend, Race 19 Jamie Whincup started scored the pole position. Alongside him was David Reynolds.
Jamie Whincup made the most of it and got the jump into turn 1.
Further back in the pack Anton de Pasquale got turned at turn 2.
Then Shane Van Gibergen had damage due to hitting the cars in front of him. The Red Bull Team had to put him & his car 97 in the garage to repair the damage. Rick Kelly and Kelly Racing teammate, Andre Heimgartner also had damage. This wasn’t ideal because they are not near their home base in Victoria due to the COVID19 border closures.
Scott McLaughlin was shoved from behind and I was surprised that he escaped any significant damage so was able to keep going.
Scott McLaughlin was obviously not satisfied with starting position of 16 and gained 8 spots on the opening lap.
Todd Hazelwood left the track on lap 7 and didn’t return. By lap 23 his teammate Nick Percat also left the track without returning. Both received NC (Not Complete). Brad Jones Racing Team only had Jack Smith left on the track. Regardless of his dramas he did manage to finish the race.
There were a number of other drivers who didn’t make it to the finish line and received NCs. They included Zane Goddard, Andre Heimgartner and Macauley Jones. Five in total.
Jamie Whincup maintained his lead and continued to increase his lead. He managed to cros the finish line to take the win nearly 7 seconds ahead of Cameron Waters in 2nd place and close to 7 seconds after that was Chaz Mostert in 3rd place.
It was a much needed win for the Red Bull Team closing the gap on championship team leaders Shell V-Power Racing Team. It stepped up the competition for the rest of the weekend.
Results for Race 19
1st Jamie Whincup – Red Bull Holden Racing Team
2nd Cameron Waters – Tickford Racing
3rd Chaz Mostert – Walkinshaw Andretti United
Jamie Whincup earned himself another pole start for Race 20. Alongside him was Chaz Mostert.
Once again Jamie Whincup led into turn 1. The cars further back were trying to stay out of trouble and just maintain position.
Fabian Coulthard came in early so he wouldn’t interfere with teammate, Scott McLaighlin’s pit stop.
Shane Van Gisbergen also pitted first for the same reason. His teammate, Jamie Whincup was still leading.
Rick Kelly might have missed an opportunity but after the previous race didn’t want to risk making contact with another car.
By the middle of the race Jamie Whincup seemed to have secured his lead. He held his position right to the end. His experience ensured there were no slip ups or mistakes.
He crossed the finish line just over 3 seconds ahead of Chaz Mostert and his teammate, Shane VanGisbergen come in to collect 3rd place.
Things were really beginning to hot up in the competition.
Results for Race 20
1st Jamie Whincup – Red Bull Holden Racing Team
2nd Chaz Mostert – Walkinshaw Andretti United
3rd Shane Van Gisbergen – Red Bull Holden Racing Team
In Race 21 Scott McLaughlin started on pole position with Cameron Waters alongside him.
Scott McLaughlin had a mission and led into turn 1. From that point he didn’t look back! He was adamant that Jamie Whincup would not win 3 of 3 races for the weekend.
After a few average results in the last event, I was surprised Scott McLaughlin in car 17 dominated the race.
Cameron Waters who started from second on the grid also managed to keep his place and came in 2nd place.
Nick Percat slipped one place giving way to Jamie Whincup who gained 1 spot from his start and finished 3rd.
Results for Race 21
1st Scott McLaughlin – Shell V-Power Racing
2nd Cameron Waters – Tickford Racing
3rd Jamie Whincup – Red Bull Holden Racing Team
The 2nd Townsville event is this weekend on September 5th and 6th, 2020.
Just can’t wait!!!