Whincup on top at Supercars
MELBOURNE: 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, headlined by a first win by Scott Pye on Saturday evening in the wet and dark, concluded with the most obvious result.
The seventime series champion 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 — including a first ‘‘didnotfinish’’ in more than 100 races.
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 highquality 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 secondplace 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.
‘‘From the battle we had in the wet yesterday, it’s a good way to finish the weekend.’’
The unique character celebrated with a ‘‘shoey’’ on the podium.
Reynolds sits second on overall points heading to Tasmania behind leader Shane van Gisbergen.
The Kiwi had the most exciting drive yesterday, beginning last after a horror show in qualifying but finishing 13th.
James Courtney and Rick Kelly were early exits from the race after the Holden man got tangled up with Golding and Tim Blanchard.
Chaz Mostert finished his upanddown weekend with a fourthplace finish ahead of fairytale Saturday winner Pye in fifth.
Pye dedicated his first victory in 166 Supercars races to his late father.