Winterbottom wins whilst Whincup and Davison crash

Mark Winterbottom secured victory in the first V8 Supercars race at Philip Island while championship rivals Jamie Whincup and Will Davison crashed while fighting for second place. The result means that Winterbottom only is 10 points from championship leader Whincup.
“Now we’re talking! I want to lead the title from start to finish. If you lead the title you’re in the best spot. I don’t care what the others say. 10 points off the lead is a great result from that race,” said Winterbottom.

Shane van Gisbergen claimed second position instead after starting 11th on the grid, with Tim Slade in third and Garth Tander a close fourth.

Team mates Winterbottom and Davison had a close fight for the lead earlier in the race. Davison was ahead after the pitstop but Winterbottom was able to claim the lead after some intense side-by-side action.

Davison instead got involved in the scrap for second after a safety car restart. The field bunched up, allowing Whincup up in to second. Not long after, Davison went off track after contact with Slade, sliding over the grass right in to Whincup. Both drivers retired on the spot.

Lee Holdsworth came home in fifth ahead of Rick Kelly and Jonathon Webb. Jason Bright, Michael Patrizi and Steve Owen rounded off the top ten.