Sprinting to finish line
THESE are the men that are locked in the closest championship fight in V8 history.
Waging a five-way war that is set to go down to the wire, Shane van Gisbergen, Fabian Coulthard, Jamie Whincup, Chaz Mostert, and Scott McLaughlin are all in contention to become champion.
The thrilling fight will continue today when the five drivers hit Pukekohe Raceway to begin a round that could make or break the contenders.
Only 196 points splits leader Whincup (Red Bull Holden) from his teammate Van Gisbergen, who is in fifth place.
“I am really looking forward to getting out on track and getting on with it,’’ van Gisbergen said. “It is always exciting and there might be a variable or two this weekend with the weather looking like it will play a part. We will take that as it comes but it should make for some good racing.’’
With 300 points on the line this weekend across two races, a failure for any of the drivers could end their title bid.
But merely surviving could also prove costly with the championship likely to be decided by the closest margin in the history of the sport.
DJR/Team Penske driver Coulthard trails Whincup by just 17 points in a top of the table log-jam.
“I want to go well at each and every event and that is what we are aiming to do,’’ Coulthard said.
“We are coming to Pukekohe this year with the most
competitive package that we’ve ever had.
“The team has provided both Scotty and I with quick cars and we’ve been able to contend for podiums at each and every event.
“I am expecting a good showing.’’
Coulthard is looking to storm his way to a win after losing his championship lead during the first race of the Gold Coast 600.
“Gold Coast was OK but not great,’’ Coulthard said.
“We are still in the championship hunt with two rounds remaining and it is going to be all guns blazing from here on in.”
Odd man out Mostert is out to gun down Coulthard and McLaughlin and continue his unlikely championship charge.
The Prodrive Racing Australia star is the only driver in the top five not from either Penske or Red Bull.