Whincup sees chance to grab seventh crown

HOLDEN star Jamie Whincup has had enough of “hanging in there” and is determined to steal the Supercars championship lead from DJR Team Penske rival Scott McLaughlin at Sandown this weekend.

As the critical endurance season kicks off with the traditional 500km Bathurst prequel, Whincup, 34, declared it was time to add to his six Supercars crowns.

Whincup stormed to within 12 points of Ford’s McLaughlin after claiming a record-breaking 106th win in the last round at Sydney Motorsport Park.

After claiming his first vic- tory for the season at Townsville in July, the Red Bull Holden Racing Team ace’s form has been ominous.

“I haven’t led the championship all year, so I would love to grab the lead,’’ Whincup said.

“I hate that feeling of hanging in there and grabbing points off Scotty when they don’t have a good run.

“We have worked really hard to try and improve our car’s performance, improve our team performance, and we want to be able to lead from the front. We really need to start going fast and winning some races to have any chance this year.’’

Whincup’s most recent championship victory was in 2014, the last of four consecutive title wins that cemented his status as an all-time great. He finished fifth behind Ford rival Mark Winterbottom in 2015 and second to teammate Shane van Gisbergen last year.

“I always said I was happy with one championship and then two and then I just got on an amazing run,” Whincup said. “I am just thankful that four in a row was pretty special.

“I feel we have got as good a shot as anyone [this year]. If we want it the hardest, then we’ll grab it.’’

Whincup again will team with long-time co-driver Paul Dumbrell for the endurance season, aiming for a fourth straight pole at Sandown.