Photo by: Edge Photographics
Whincup claims emotional victory at the Clipsal 500
After an emotional week following the passing of his father David last weekend, TeamVodafone’s defending Champion Jamie Whincup has driven to an emphatic victory in the opening leg of the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide today.
Whincup’s morning didn’t quite start as planned, the Holden driver kissed the wall coming into the notorious Turn 8 during the 20 minute warm up session and bent the steering on his #1 Commodore.
After some minor repairs to his Commodore by the TeamVodafone crew, Whincup went onto deliver what he describes as the drive of his life. The Holden driver, who started fifth on the grid drove an incredible race, breaking the previous lap-record held by James Courtney five-times throughout the 78-lap race.
Battling close friend Will Davison across the final seven laps of the race, Whincup managed to overtake the Ford driver on the final lap to claim his 53rd career race win.
TeamVodafone teammate Craig Lowndes endured a frustrating end to a promising day. After starting from pole position the #888 driver sustained a flat left rear tyre on lap 50, dashing any chances of victory.
After briefly returning to the pits to have the damaged tyre replaced, Lowndes fought hard to regain lost ground and eventually finished fourth.
Tomorrow V8 Supercar action will see the cars on track for Qualifying at 11.15am followed by the final 250km leg of the Clipsal 500 at 2.35pm.
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