David Reynolds claims victory as Craig Lowndes crashes out
David Reynolds claimed the second V8 Supercars victory of the race weekend in New Zealand as disaster struck title candidate Craig Lowndes at mid-point of the race, forcing the Triple Eight Race Engineering driver into retirement.
Lowndes managed to get past Reynolds into the lead on the first lap and built up a lead of one second. But a left-rear puncture on lap 12 saw the Holden driver going into a spectacular spin and hitting the wall, fortunately escaping unhurt.
The incident dealt a major blow to Lowndes’ title hopes as championship leader Mark Winterbottom crossed the line in fourth position.
Race one winner Jamie Whincup claimed second place with local driver Scott McLaughlin finishing right behind in third position for Volvo Polestar Racing.
Shane Van Gisbergen, who finished second in the first race, charged up through the field from 13th position on the grid to finish fifth ahead of James Courtney. Tim Slade and Scott Pye rounded off the top eight.
Jason Bright failed to make it onto the grid for Race 29 as he had an engine failure in the first race.
The V8 Supercars weekend in New Zealand continues tomorrow with race three.
