Vodafone 1-2, Whincup takes race 1 win

Jamie Whincup has taken the victory in the first race of the season for Team Vodafone, in the new Holden Commodore from team mate Craig Lowndes, marking a fantastic season debut for the Triple Eight Australia team.

Ford Performance Racing’s Mark Winterbottom jumped into the lead at the start, but Whincup managed to move back ahead on pit strategy, and led to the finish.

Team mate Lowndes also worked his way up the order on pit strategy, and despite an error in the top 10 qualifying shootout meaning he had to start from 10th, Lowndes managed to work his way up the order to give Team Vodafone the best possible result in the first race of the season.

Whincup said of the win:
“It was a special day; we debuted a brand new car and to get on pole and to have a one-two in the first race… it’s an amazing feeling and huge reward for the guys who have worked so hard.”

Garth Tander, who had qualified second initially, was sent to the back after breaking regulations in qualifying, and fought a hard race to finish 26th. Team mate Will Davison faired little better, having to retire with engine difficulties after initially running well, marking a rather forgettable first race for the Holden Racing Team.