Drought over in Whincup record

SIX-TIME Supercars champion Jamie Whincup has equalled Craig Lowndes alltime winning record with a drought-breaking victory in yesterday’s 200km race in Townsville.

Whincup’s first win for the season was the 105th of his career, bringing him level with Triple Eight Racing teammate Lowndes for the most victories in the category’s history.

“When you have done a lot of winning and you don’t, and you’re not the quickest, it’s quite painful,” Whincup said.

“We’re fighting hard to get back there.”

DJR Team Penske star Scott McLaughlin’s outstanding form has put him at top of the overall standings, but the ultra-consistent Whincup is within six points.

But Whincup still believes Penkse has the upper hand.

“When they make a small error we’re there to pounce but they’ve still got the quickest cars,” he said.

“We’ll keep striving to make sure our car’s the quickest.”

After starting from pole position for the ninth time this season, McLaughlin led in the early stages but after emerging from his first pit stop Whincup pounced.

McLaughlin was up for the fight but he couldn’t find a way to reel in Whincup’s Holden, as he extended his unrivalled record at the Reid Park street circuit to nine wins.

“We had a tool to fight with today, which was the main thing, and pushed hard,” Whincup said.

Defending series champion Shane van Gisbergen gave Triple Eight two drivers on the podium with his third-placed finish.

Prodrive Racing Australia duo Mark Winterbottom and Chaz Mostert finished fourth and fifth respectively. AAP