Shell V-Power Racing’s Anton De Pasquale has won the opening race of the Merlin Triple Crown at Hidden Valley in Darwin.

The win is De Pasquale’s first of the year, with the victory narrowing the gap between the Mustang pilot and Red Bull Ampol Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen.

Starting in P2 behind Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) teammate Will Davison, the pair came together on the opening lap only for De Pasquale to drive away with the lead - a position he didn’t relinquish throughout the 38 lap battle. 

The pair certainly weren’t safe as the race reached its climax, with van Gisbergen charging hard to catch the Ford Mustangs after gambling on a different tyre strategy to the front runners.

While van Gisbergen got close in the dying stages of the race, he was unable to pass, ultimately securing DJR an impressive one-two finish.

“It’s awesome, always good to get a one-two,” De Pasquale said.

“We’re always trying to put on a good show here in Darwin, it was an awesome race. Shane (van Gisbergen) was coming pretty hard, he was making us work for it, but all good.

“It’s awesome to get the win, we’ve been close a fair few times this year. We know we’ve got the team and the package to do it, so it’s not a surprise. You have to work pretty hard and everything has to fall your way on the day.”

Despite sitting second in the Championship, today’s win was De Pasquale’s first of 2022. That Championship lead reduced slightly, with the gap between the duo closing to 272 after 16 races.

Rounding out the top ten behind the podium finishers were Andre Heimgartner, Mark Winterbottom, Scott Pye, Cameron Waters, Broc Feeney, James Courtney and Brodie Kostecki.

Two more 38 lap races await drivers and fans on Sunday at Hidden Valley, with coverage across Fox Sports/Kayo and the Seven Network.