Whincup’s title secured in dramatic style
XXXX Gold’s own Jamie Whincup is now a three-time V8 Supercar champion, after securing the 2011 title at a dramatic Sydney Telstra 500.
Whincup did enough with an eighth place in the final race of the season, although there were some nervy times as a drying track and the threat of rain kept teams guessing, with Whincup buried in the pack and vulnerable for most of the day. With Craig Lowndes fighting his way through to the front, it looked as though we could have been in for a shock.
The previous day Whincup had slammed into the wall, opening up the championship heading into the final day of the season. But he ended with a 35-point gap ahead of his teammate to seal the crown.
The Homebush track lived up to its reputation as one of the most challenging on the calendar with a series of accidents, as drivers got caught out by the concrete walls and kerbs that line the track.
The fans lapped up the action, all 172,000 of them who made it through the gates over the three days. Filling merchandise alley, pavilions and surrounding areas, the fans had more than just crashing V8 Supercars to keep them entertained.
John Farnham and Hunters & Collectors led the way at the Saturday night concert - Hunters & Collectors’ rendition of Holy Grail a popular theme for the weekend given what was at stake in the title battle.
Even the heavy rain that lashed the circuit before Sunday’s race couldn’t keep the crowd away. The XXXX Gold Retreat overlooking the turns two, three and four chicane saw plenty of action, with a number of drivers bouncing off kerbs and slamming into the wall.
It’s only three seasons old, but the Sydney Telstra 500 has only enhanced its reputation as a car-destroying, fan-friendly spectacular event after the 2011 rendition. It was a fitting way to end a great season of V8 Supercars.
Enjoy your summer break and see you next season.
