Photo: Red Bull Racing Australia

Shane van Gisbergen claims sixth straight Triple Eight win

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Shane van Gisbergen won the first V8 Supercars race of the weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park ahead of Triple Eight Race Engineering team-mate Jamie Whincup to claim the team’s sixth straight victory.

Van Gisbergen had to fight hard to keep the lead with a hard-charging Whincup towards the end of the race.

Ford driver Chaz Mostert started from pole but lost the lead on the first lap as both Van Gisbergen and Whincup made their way past.

Whincup then claimed the lead after his pitstop, only for Van Gisbergen to get back after his. The multiple champion had the pace on Van Gisbergen but could not get past.

James Courtney claimed the final podium position for Holden Racing team, making his way up through the field after dropping back after his pitstop.

Pole-sitter Mostert came home in fourth position ahead of Volvo driver Scott McLaughlin in fifth.

Craig Lowndes made it three Triple Eight Race Engineering drivers in the top six while Tim Slade and Garth Tander rounded off the top eight.

The race had one retirement in the form of DJR Team Penske driver Scott Pye due to a power steering failure.

Tomorrow features qualifying and a second race of 200 kilometers.