SVG is ready to rumble

SO you ask Shane van Gisbergen what, if any, unwritten rules apply on the streets of Newcastle today.

For this is the big unanswered question.

Especially given this Red Bull Racer, a fella sitting just 14 points from championship leader Scott McLaughlin, arrives for the Supercars finale not only capable of stealing the trophy from his archrival, but supported by the greatest tailgunners in Australian motorsport history — Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes.

You reckon the battle between SVG and McLaughlin is a slobberknocker? Well how about tossing in a pair of Triple Eight stablemates who between them boast 10 championships, 11 Bathurst titles, and too many poles to count.

And now, together, they arrive ready to iron out McLaughlan.

So again, exactly what rules apply in such a street fight?

“Well,” van Gisbergen shrugs.

“We can’t just go and crash somebody out. “Wouldn’t do that, either.” No, but last start in Auckland, even the blind corners could see your stablemate Whincup slowed down late in the race, allowing you to pass him for extra championship points.

And, yes, your team claimed it was because J-Dub was running low on fuel. Better, you were cleared by officials. But still, your critics howl. Just as they did on this track last year when Lowndes was involved in a chaotic and con- troversial last lap bingle with McLaughlin. An incident that not only stripped the Shell VPower Racing star of a maiden title but gifted it to Whincup.

And now it’s in your corner they stand.

Undeniably it’s the greatest tag team since Hulk Hogan paired with Macho Man Randy Savage.

So again, what can we expect from the most imposing team anywhere along pit lane?

“We’ll try and get our drivers in front of Scotty, get them between me and Scotty,” van Gisbergen says. “Anything to take points off him basically.

“And that’s the sport. Beating the guy in front of you is what we’re always trying to do.”

Whincup agrees, adding: “We’ll do what we can to help car 97 score as many points as possible.”