Shane van Gisbergen has sealed one of the most memorable wins of his career, claiming victory at Sandown with a heroic drive through the field.
 
With his participation only confirmed hours before the first session earlier on Saturday after breaking a collarbone in recent weeks, the win was made even more impressive given the Kiwi started the race in 17th.
 
Battling for the lead with Tickford’s Cameron Waters in the dying stages, the Red Bull Ampol Racing driver showed every bit of class and determination to cross the line first, with teammate Jamie Whincup rounding out the podium placings.
 
With plenty of speculation in the days leading in to the event, the current Repco Supercars Championship leader put it all behind him for today’s single race – with medical clearance only received this morning. While he was medically fit, the championship leader admitted there was still some level of discomfort behind the wheel after this morning’s first practice.
 
Despite the hurdles, van Gisbergen made an almighty charge through the field to claim the historic win – the lowest a single driver entry has ever started a race and won at Sandown.


 
The Holden driver was understandably elated post-race.
 
“I had so much help the last couple of weeks with good surgeons, the hyperbaric chambers, my nice girlfriend looking after me, and our physio,” van Gisbergen said.
 
“It's been a pretty tough two weeks but I feel awesome in the car. And obviously my car is great. Hopefully that was good to watch, I was trying.”

Click here for race results.
 
The drivers do it all again tomorrow, with two qualifying sessions and two races on Sunday.

For a Stewards Summary from today's Supercars race, please click here.