JAMIE’S SEASON IS WORTH THE WEIGHT

SUPERCARS CHAMPION’S FITNESS BATTLE

FRESH off winning a record seventh Supercars title, Jamie Whincup enjoyed the best offseason break he has had in years – maybe a little too much, by his own admission.

The Red Bull Holden Racing Team driver has been busy getting back into shape after stacking 5kg on to his frame since the Newcastle decider in November, when he pipped Scott McLaughlin to the championship in a thrilling finish.

But it’s that very break that could recharge him enough to have a run at yet another crown this year.

“No need to stress, I will get that (weight) off before Adelaide,” said Whincup, who will sport the coveted No.1 on his car this season. “I’m motivated to get back into it.

“I don’t like to make any big statements at the start of the year because talk is cheap at the end of the day but I wouldn’t be strapping into another year if I didn’t think I was as good a chance as anyone.”

The Gold Coaster, who recently extended his contract until the end of 2019, believes his squad are well-placed to hit the ground running better than last year.

It took him 14 races to reach the top step of the podium in 2017, with consistency proving his forte.

High on Whincup’s wish list for this year is an overdue strong result at the Bathurst 1000, as well as helping RBHRT reclaim the teams’ championship from DJR Team Penske.

Since Whincup’s last Great Race win in 2012, his Bathurst efforts have been plagued by a range of issues. Last year it was engine trouble that brought him unstuck.

“We haven’t had a good run at Bathurst for a long time now,” he admitted.

The season will open at Adelaide on March 1-4.