Giz lights up night thanks to safety car

Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen cut into compatriot Scott McLaughlin’s Supercars championship lead by winning the inaugural Sydney SuperNight 300 last night.

His victory sees Van Gisbergen close to within 89 points having been 131 at the start of the day.

A safety car came with 18 laps remaining and that was the ticket for the Red Bull Holden outfit. McLaughlin and Craig Lowndes had already taken their final stops so it brought Van Gisbergen into the hunt. Van Gisbergen passed the Ford driver with 10 laps to go.

“It took a long time for that race to come alive — it was pretty stale and the safety car came out and it was awesome,” the Kiwi said.

“Scotty was driving really well, he defended awesomely. I gave him a couple of bumps and he wasn’t fazed. Unfortunately, I think he had some pick-up and we got back through.

“A really awesome weekend.” McLaughlin cut a dejected figure following the event after it looked like he had the race under control with 20 laps remaining.

Despite the disappointment, McLaughlin still holds a healthy lead in the standings.

“I tried so hard to keep them behind,” McLaughlin said. “Great strategy call by them — well done to Shane and sorry to the Ford fans that I couldn’t get it done for you. I am absolutely gutted.

“We had a great car today; I have a great team, pit stops, strategy but unfortunately that safety car came at the wrong time. A good points day and we will move on.”

The championship moves to new South Australian track Bend Motorsport Park in three weeks.