Van Gisbergen wins in Townsville for second one-two

Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen claimed yesterday’s Supercars race win in Townsville to reduce compatriot Scott McLaughlin’s championship lead to 131 points.

The 2016 champion made a strong start from pole position and held off Red Bull Holden Racing teammate Jamie Whincup to take the chequered flag for his team’s second straight one-two finish but a reverse of Saturday’s order.

McLaughlin started the race from seventh and fell as low as 11th by the end of the opening lap but his Shell V-Power Racing team brought him in earlier than his rivals for his first stop.

The under-cut helped and he climbed back up the order once the later stoppers completed their refuel, eventually finishing third for the second day running.

Whincup also opted for an early first stop and took over the lead midrace but van Gisbergen’s tyres lasted better and he came roaring back to pass the reigning series champion shortly before the final stop.

A late safety car bunched the field and gave Whincup a four-lap dash to put a move on his teammate but van Gisbergen held him off for his 27th career win.

“Man, a double one-two is awesome,” van Gisbergen said.

Whincup was pleased to be back fighting for race wins after a run of sub-par results.

“I couldn’t be happier for the team,” Whincup said. “I pushed him hard and if there was a gap, I would’ve taken it but he drove unbelievably well.”

McLaughlin wasn’t really in the fight for wins all weekend but salvaged two podium results to protect his championship lead.

Craig Lowndes, who will retire at the season’s end, finished fourth.

The next stop on the calendar is Queensland Raceway in Ipswich in a fortnight. v 7.35pm v 5.15pm 7.35pm 9.45pm

v v v v v Dunedin, Christchurch, Sydney

Johannesburg, 1.05am Durban, 3.15am