Jamie Whincup has closed the gap at the top of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship standings after picking up two wins during the NTI Townsville Supersprint.
Heading into the round 177 points behind championship leader Scott McLaughlin, Whincup’s wins in the round's opening two races saw him bring the deficit down to 111 points before McLaughlin fought back to claim a race win of his own in the final race.
Starting from pole in the round’s final outing, McLaughlin led the field from lights to flag and took out a much needed win to end the weekend with a solid lead of 123 points.
In that same race, Whincup finished on the podium behind McLaughlin and Cameron Waters, which secured the round win along with his 18th podium in 24 official races in Townsville and kept him in the hunt for the title.
“We did the best we could today. Obviously we didn’t qualify as well as we would have liked (for the third race) because of the conditions but the car hung in there,” Whincup said.
“All in all, three podiums for the weekend and we couldn’t be happier. We tried to win the round which we did so we go away happy but it’s crazy knowing we do it all again next week. We will have a bit of break over the next couple of days, completely service the car and then come back here in five days.
.jpg?sfvrsn=d9d38fd0_3)
“We just need to keep chipping away. It’s our responsibility to make the championship a strong one and make sure it’s not one guy in front dominating.
“We’re doing the best we can and we will keep our heads down and try to make it a race for it. “
Despite McLaughlin’s race win, the weekend belonged to Whincup, who again showed why Reid Park is his home away from home after Sunday’s opening race victory took his total win tally in Townsville to 12.
Like McLaughlin did later in the day, Whincup secured pole and led for the whole race, comfortably claiming maximum points over Chaz Mostert and teammate Shane van Gisbergen.
It was a similar story on Saturday as Whincup dominated the field to lead from start to finish and only lost his lead during the pit stop cycle, however the only difference this time Waters joined the winner and Mostert on the podium as opposed to van Gisbergen.
As Whincup flourished in the two opening races, conversely proved difficult for McLaughlin who finished seventh and sixth respectively after less than ideal qualifying pace.
But as a true champion, McLaughlin bounced back in the final race and fought off challenges from Waters to take out the victory.
“We found a really good direction in qualifying which is a great start for us for next week. It was also a great battle with Cam, he was a star,” McLaughlin said.
“Got a little bit of work to do but really happy to get that win.
“Proud of everyone at Shell V Power Racing who are continually working hard and to get a win on a tough weekend is great.”
The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship stays in Townsville for another week with the Robson Civil Projects Townsville SuperSprint taking place on 5-6 September.