Whincup unstoppable in Tassie
XXXX Gold’s own Jamie Whincup took another step closer to the V8 Supercars title at Symmons Plains in Tasmania, winning both races to increase his points lead to 194 points with two events (four races) remaining.
It was a near faultless display from Whincup, who won on Saturday from pole and fought back from third on the grid on Sunday to sail into a lead he would never let go of. It was the drive(s) of a champion, and if the Armor All Gold Coast 600 was the turning point in the title battle, then Symmons Plains could be where Whincup cemented it.
All his competitors could do behind was fight over the minor placings – title rival Craig Lowndes in second on Saturday and fifth on Sunday, after having to fight back from 15th on the grid, while the factory Ford boys, including our own Mark Winterbottom, were the next best over the weekend with a double-podium on Sunday. But it was Whincup who hogged the spoils for himself – cheeky boy!
A big crowd was in attendance over the weekend – a notable increase on recent seasons. Having faced the prospect of losing the event beyond this season’s race, the locals sure were keen to prove that they deserve to be on the calendar for the long-term future of the sport.
Many of those fans paid the extra dollars for their chance to meet their heroes in the paddock, which was brimming with fans between sessions, all eager to catch a photo, autograph or handshake with their favourite driver. They certainly are an enthusiastic and knowledgeable fan base in Tassie.
The crowd seemed to lap up every minute of the action, blessed with surprisingly sunny weather as the threat of rain never materialised, and great support categories, particularly the Aussie Racing Cars, Formula Ford and Australian Superbikes, who entertained with close, exciting races that went down to the wire.
There’s little time to rest and recuperate for V8 Supercar drivers and teams, quickly packing before the trip across Bass Strait to Victoria for Sandown next weekend. Can anyone stop Whincup on his march to the title? Mmm…
