Reynolds joins Supercars party

David Reynolds became the fourth Supercars race winner at the Australian Grand Prix yesterday, as Jamie Whincup claimed the inaugural Larry Perkins Trophy for best performer from the marquee meet.

A dramatic weekend in Melbourne, headlined by a first win by Scott Pye on Saturday evening in the wet and dark, concluded with the most obvious result.

Seven-time series champion Whincup added the newly minted trophy to his already overflowing collection of silverware after four podium finishes. They were much-needed. The Red Bull Holden Racing Team legend arrived at Albert Park in 18th place in the championship after a painful season opener in Adelaide.

He leaves in seventh place and with a renewed sense of positivity as he defends his championship.

But immediately after the race, Whincup was more annoyed at missing another race win than he was at saluting Perkins.

‘‘It’s sweet and sour at the moment. I’m filthy at myself for a shocking fourth race. I fluffed the start,’’ he said.

‘‘Larry came into the truck just before and he reckons it’s a high quality trophy. So that feels good. It’ll fit nicely at the workshop.’’

Yesterday, an already short sprint race was further reduced by a safety car from James Golding’s mechanical failure.

Whincup started from pole but yielded position to Reynolds off the line and to second-place finisher Nick Percat several turns later.

Reynolds stayed clear of trouble to become the fifth individual race winner of the season.

‘‘I got a good start and led the race from there. Everything went to plan with no dramas,’’ he said.

1. David Reynolds (Holden)

2. Nick Percat (Holden)

3. Jamie Whincup (Holden)

4. Chaz Mostert (Ford)

5. Scott Pye (Holden)

6. Fabian Coulthard (Ford)