Lowndes wins as Whincup nears title

Craig Lowndes sealed a TeamVodafone domination at the Barbagallo Raceway, by taking victory in the second race at the Perth track, as his team mate Jamie Whincup firmly placed one hand on the V8 Supercar Championship trophy.

Whincup had qualified on pole position for the second race, but knew full well that others around him had newer sets of the sprint tyre available to use in the 250km race.

Lowndes had qualified seventh, but a fine drive throughout, combined with some fine strategy work from TeamVodafone saw him climb to the front and take the chequered flag.

The title battle between Whincup and Will Davsion is all-but over after Whincup crossed the line fourth overall and Davison recorded a non-finish.

Davison endured the poorest of luck when he hit debris and fluid left on the pit entrance after after a earlier accident. The fluid caused his car to understeer into the pit wall damaging the car’s steering, and forcing his withdrawal from the remainder of the race.

The accident which left the fluid involved Todd Kelly, Jason Bargwanna and Lee Holdsworth. Bargwanna made contact with Kelly forcing him into a spin on the start of the pit straight.

Kelly was left stranded, and when Holdsworth came around the final corner at pace, he hit Kelly’s Jack Daniels Racing car side on.

Holdsworth and Kelly were both shaken after the incident, but walked away. Bargwanna admitted to driving in a careless manner and has been docked 100-points from his championship tally.

Jim Beam Racing’s Steven Johnson and Toll Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander completed the podium positions behind Lowndes.

Whincup heads to the final round of the the 2009 series, the Sydney Telstra 500, in December with 3175-points to his name. That leaves him 281-points ahead of Will Davison with a maximum of 300-points available from the Sydney event.