Battle of Newcastle
THREE days, two men, one crown. The inaugural Newcastle 500 could not get a better script for its role as the Supercars grand final venue.
In the closest championship fight in Supercars history, just 30 points separates Holden’s Jamie Whincup and Ford’s Scott McLaughlin as the bitter rivals prepare for today’s first practice sessions.
Several key factors will determine whether Red Bull Holden Racing Team record breaker Whincup can hold off DJR/Team Penske young gun McLaughlin to win an unprecedented seventh title.
Both contenders will be forced to learn on the run in the first race on the new Newcastle CBD street track.
Neither driver has cut a lap on the 2.6km circuit that runs alongside the harbour and through the eastern CBD of the steel city.
Experience could give Whincup the edge. In his 432race career, he has tackled such virgin circuits as Sydney Olympic Park, Yas Marina, Townsville, the Circuit of Americas and Bahrain.
“There are plenty of spots on the circuit that could trip people up, without doubt,’’ Whincup said.
“There are a lot of braking zones that are turning and, with our cars, braking while turning is quite difficult.’’
McLaughlin has claimed his recent go-karting experience will help him become a V8 pioneer.
Today’s practice sessions could prove make or break for both drivers with potentially championship-deciding data up for grabs.
McLaughlin holds all the aces after a stunning year of one-lap pace. He has won qualifying 14 times and also smashed the Bathurst lap record in a display of might. McLaughlin’s average qualifying position this year is 2.6.
Whincup has struggled to put together a qualifying lap all season, managing just two pole positions with an average qualifying position of 4.6.
In the race itself, consist- ency favours Whincup. With an average finish position of 5.1, he has edged out McLaughlin (6.1) to take a 30-point lead.
He has been forced to fight his way forward after his disappointing qualifying efforts.
But when he has, he’s banked points. Although Whincup has won only three races this year, his habitual podium finishes have him fighting from the front.
McLaughlin’s biggest weakness has been his failure to convert qualifying wins into race victories.
The Kiwi whiz has seven race wins from 14 pole position starts. “The best thing I can do this weekend is win a couple of races,’’ McLaughlin said.
“I want to do that and worry about the rest later. I am just out there to have a crack and see what happens.’’
With a record six titles, Whincup has proved he can handle the stress of being No. 1
He has broken just about every Supercars mark including most wins, most pole positions, most championships and most podiums.
He has also triumphed in the pressure-cooker environ- ment of a championship decider. “It’s going to be a massive challenge for everyone,’’ he said. “For it to come down to the last round with no points between myself and Scotty, it’s a serious challenge. But that’s what sport is all about.”
McLaughlin says he fears no one on a racetrack. “I am just excited,’’ McLaughlin said.
“It is a dream come true going into the final round fighting for a championship.
“He has been in this position more than me but I feel like the team can keep my head straight.’’