Teammate Craig Lowndes ended the day second to his teammate on combined P2 and P3 times.

Hitting the 4.44km track for the first time in the third practice session of the day, Jamie Whincup posted the quickest time of the session on used hard compound tyres before it was cut short due to oil on the track.

The defending V8 Supercar Champion remained on the same set of tyres for the final session of the day to focus on the car set up. Whincup ended the session fourth and quickest overall of the two main practice sessions.

The #888 Holden Commodore worked to a similar practice strategy, a strong tail wind aiding Lowndes in setting the second fastest time in Practice 2.

Lowndes used the final 20 minute hit out to focus on car set up and ended the session eighth .

Dumbrell, who joined TeamVodafone for the two opening practice sessions and was quickest in the second practice session, set the third quickest lap time in the co-driver only session.

Tomorrow will see an early morning practice session followed Qualifying at 1.25pm (AEST). Race 10 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series will commence at 4.05pm (AEST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

TeamVodafone has shown solid form at Phillip Island in the past, winning the last four races at the 4.44km circuit in succession.

The Brisbane-based team won both races in 2009 and the last two, 500-kilometre races in 2010 and 2011.

TeamVodafone has also had a car finish in the top three of the last nine consecutive races at Phillip Island from 2007 to 2011.

Now commanding the series lead, Whincup is set to celebrate his 250th V8 Supercar Championship race start on Sunday (in Race 11) at the Phillip Island 300.

The three time V8 Supercar Champion has finished top three in eight of the last nine races at Phillip Island, only missing out in 2010 when he retired from the L&H 500 with a mechanical issue.

“This is quite an achievement,” Whincup said. “250 races is a lot and I’m very happy to have a few race wins to show for my efforts.

“I always enjoy Phillip Island, it’s one of the best tracks in the country and personally I’ve had some good wins there but we’ve also had some ups and downs in the past so hopefully we keep it on the upside this weekend.

“It will also be good to get Paul Dumbrell behind the wheel during practice, it will be his first real taste of the TeamVodafone Holden”

Preparing for his 16th event start at Phillip Island, Craig Lowndes boasts top two finishes in all four, 500-kilometre races held at Phillip Island from 2008 to 2011.

The Holden ace has won the last two V8 Supercar races at Phillip Island, pairing with Mark Skaife. In total, Lowndes has eight race wins at the circuit, just one short of the all-time record held by his former teammate Skaife.

“I’m hoping to put my Championship aspirations back on track this weekend at Phillip Island,” Lowndes admitted.

“It’s a different weekend to the endurance race, so we will be trying to maximise the car speed. It’s a circuit I’ve had great success at and love the layout. It’s truly a driver’s track.

“Weather and wind can make a big difference to the car balance, that will be something the team will be mindful of,” Lowndes concluded.

Currently Whincup leads the V8 Supercar Championship by 29 points over Ford rival Will Davison, Lowndes sits in fourth position on 779 points.

The Phillip Island event has been a 500-kilometre race for the last four years but this year will see the format change back to a single-driver, sprint-style event with a 140-kilometre (32 lap) race on Saturday and 200-kilometre race (45 laps) on Sunday.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Craig Lowndes endured a frustrating day, the TeamVodafone driver finished sixth in the opening race and his final race marred by a race control error which cost Lowndes valuable positions and points. Lowndes fought hard to claw his way back through the field to finish sixth in the final race.

After qualifying on pole for both of today’s 50-lap races, the #1 Holden pilot started Race 8 on the hard compound tyres but had an instant battle on his hands with second placed Will Davison who started on the soft tyre compound tyres.

Whincup was passed by Davison on Lap 3 and maintained second until the race end.

Starting on soft tyres for the final race, Whincup battled with the FPR duo from start to finish. Whincup fell to third mid-race before regaining second in the final stages of the race.

Whincup made a strong push for the lead over the final three laps, unable to find a way past Davison, the defending Champion also lost a spot to Mark Winterbottom on the final lap.

Qualifying 14th for the opening race, teammate Craig Lowndes started on the hard compound tyres but switched to softs on Lap-22. The #888 driver worked his way through the order to finish sixth.

After qualifying second for the final race, Lowndes dropped to fourth off the line. Switching to the soft compound tyres during a safety car period on Lap-14, Lowndes was picked up by the Safety Car as he re-entered the track.

The fatal error cost Lowndes 15 positions, dashing his chances for the race,  Lowndes eventually finished the race sixth.

Currently, Jamie Whincup leads the V8 Supercar Championship Series by 29 points ahead of Will Davison, Craig Lowndes sits fourth on 779 points.

TeamVodafone will head back to their Brisbane-based workshop to prepare for Phillip Island, kicking off from May 18 – 20.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Race 8 Results – Trading Post Perth Challenge

1: Will Davison
2: Jamie Whincup
3: Mark Winterbottom
4: Fabian Coulthard
5: Lee Holdsworth
6: Craig Lowndes
7: Tim Slade
8: Jason Bright
9: David Reynolds
10: Garth Tander

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Race 9 Results – Trading Post Perth Challenge

1: Will Davison
2: Mark Winterbottom
3: Jamie Whincup
4: Jason Bright
5: Michael Patrizi
6: Craig Lowndes
7: Fabian Coulthard
8: Tim Slade
9: Michael Caruso
10: Steven Johnson

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Points Standings

1: Jamie Whincup, 1095 pts.
2: Will Davison,  1066 pts.
3: Mark Winterbottom, 935 pts.
4: Craig Lowndes, 779 pts.
5: Lee Holdsworth, 737 pts.
6: Shane Van Gisbergen, 695 pts.
7: Fabian Coulthard, 694 pts.
8: Tim Slade, 681 pts.
9: Garth Tander, 618 pts.
10: Rick Kelly, 571 pts..

Pye started from pole for today’s final 18-lap race but suffered a clutch issue off the line, dropping the Monster Energy/Gear Wrench supported driver to second where he stayed for the remainder of the race.

In what was a successful weekend for the V8 Supercar rookie, Pye took his first pole, first race win and first podium and said success in the V8 Supercar feeder series came sooner than expected.

“The whole weekend was fantastic,” Pye said. “The last race was pretty good too but unfortunately we lost the start due to a few small dramas.

“We showed during the race we had great pace so for me it’s been a great experience this weekend. I battled it out up the front with the other guys which is a great confidence boost.

“We will go home and debrief so we can show up at the next round stronger again,” Pye concluded.

Taking 264 points from the weekend, Pye now moves to third in the Dunlop Series standings.

Top Ten Round 2 Results – Trading Post Perth Challenge

1: Scott McLaughlin, 271 pts.
2: Scott Pye, 264, pts.
3: Chaz Mostert, 243 pts.
4: Luke Youlden, 237 pts.
5: Tim Blanchard, 227 pts.
6: Ashley Walsh, 225 pts.
7: Rodney Jane, 174 pts.
8: Elliot Barbour, 145 pts.
9: Drew Russell, 143 pts.
10: David Russell, 139 pts.

Top Ten Dunlop Series Championship Standings (after Round 2 of 7)

1: Chaz Mostert 543, pts.
2: Scott McLaughlin, 538 pts.
3: Scott Pye 471, pts.
4: Luke Youlden, 459 pts.
5: Ashley Walsh, 431 pts.
6: Nick Percat, 399 pts.
7: Rodney Jane, 321 pts.
8: Tim Blanchard, 317 pts.
9: David Russell, 286 pts.
10: Marcus Zukanovic, 284 pts.

Earlier in the morning Pye secured his first ever pole position posting the quickest time of the 30 minute session on his 13th lap.

The Monster Energy/GearWrench backed driver got a great start in the opening race, shooting to the lead which he retained for the entire race.

“Qualifying was fantastic, it couldn’t have gone much better,” Pye said. “I was a bit nervous in the middle of the session as I wasn’t getting the times needed but we were fortunate to put it on pole with two of my laps later in the session.”

“I got a great start in Race 1 and the car was fantastic.” Pye added. “The safety period gave me the chance to control the race and it felt awesome to take my first win.

“It’s a big hill to climb but I’m sure there are plenty more to come.

Saturday’s final race saw the grid for the top ten reversed. Pye started 10th but overheated the clutch off the line and struggled to maintain pace.

Pye lost two spots after the first safety car period but a second yellow flag allowed the Monster Energy/Gear Wrench supported driver to close the gap to the cars in front. After the restart Pye worked hard to regain his lost positions, eventually finishing tenth.

“The reverse grid was tough, Pye admitted. I held a little bit longer than I anticipated on the start line.

“I overheated the clutch and got a poor start, then I struggled for overall pace which we will work on overnight.”

With the grid for tomorrow’s Dunlop Series race determined by today’s combined Race 1 and 2 results, Pye will start on pole position for Race 3.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten Dunlop Series Race 1 Results – Trading Post Perth Challenge

1: Scott Pye
2: Ashley Walsh
3: Scott McLaughlin
4: Chaz Mostert
5: Luke Youlden
6: Tim Blanchard
7: Andrew Jones
8: Nick Percat
9: Daniel Jilesen
10: Rodney Jane

Top Ten Dunlop Series Race 2 Results – Trading Post Perth Challenge

1: Nick Percat
2: Tim Blanchard
3: Luke Youlden
4: Scott McLaughlin
5: Chaz Mostert
6: Rodney Jane
7: Ashley Walsh
8: David Russell
9: Daniel Jilesen
10: Scott Pye

With weather conditions changing throughout qualifying, Whincup didn’t move to the soft compound tyres until the final stages of the session, clocking the third fastest time on his final lap.

Going against the grain, the defending Champion started the 50-lap race on softs and moved into second position on the opening lap. A battle ensued with race leader Mark Winterbottom and Whincup took the race lead on Lap-14.

During the TeamVodafone drivers final pitstop, the #1 Commodore suffered a hydraulic clutch issue, costing Whincup valuable time in the pits and handing Winterbottom back the race lead.  Whincup rejoined in second place and maintained his position until the race end.

It was a frustrating qualifying session for teammate Craig Lowndes who after starting the session on a wet tyres, switched to softs as the track dried out. As the #888 driver was preparing to set a qualifying lap the rain returned and he was forced to switch back to wets, only managing the 16th fastest time.

Lowndes started the race on the hard tyre compound tyres, switching to softs on lap 23. The TeamVodafone driver gained 11 positions over the course of the 50 lap race to finish third and claim his first podium finish of the season .

Jamie Whincup now leads the V8 Supercar Championship Series by 51 points with a total of 917 points. Craig Lowndes sits in fourth on 643 points.

The Trading Post Perth Challenge will conclude tomorrow with two 15 minute Qualifying sessions starting 9.25am(WST) followed by Race 8 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at 11.15am (WST) and Race 9 at 2.05pm (WST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Race 7 Results – Trading Post Perth Challenge

1: Mark Winterbottom
2: Jamie Whincup
3: Craig Lowndes
4: Lee Holdsworth
5: James Courtney
6: Tim Slade
7: Shane Van Gisbergen
8: Michael Caruso
9: Rick Kelly
10: Jason Bright

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Points Standings:

1: Jamie Whincup, 917 pts.
2: Will Davison, 866 pts.
3: Mark Winterbottom, 757 pts.
4: Craig Lowndes, 643 pts.
5: Lee Holdsworth, 635 pts.
6: Shane Van Gisbergen, 613 pts.
7: Tim Slade, 557 pts.
8: Fabian Coulthard, 550 pts.
9: Garth Tander, 524 pts.
10: Rick Kelly, 509 pts.

Lowndes used his first run on the Wanneroo track to test springs and a wet-race set up on the #888 Commodore.

The team made a number of positive changes to find a good balance before Lowndes finished the opening session 10th.

In the final session, the rain intensified and the #888 pilot switched to another set of used wets, but didn’t get the results he expected and dropped to 18th.

Teammate Jamie Whincup struggled for grip in his first hitout during the third 30-minute session. The TeamVodafone pitcrew made several changes to the #1 Holden in the search for grip in the wet conditions.

With oil on the track Whincup was unable to properly asses the recent changes and ended the session 19th.

The team made more adjustments ahead of the final practice session which saw Whincup post the sixth fastest time. On combined results he finished the day 17th overall.

The V8 Supercars will take to the track for Qualifying at 12.05pm (WST) followed by Race 7 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at 2.05pm (WST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

The Monster Energy/GearWrench backed driver, who finished the opening practice session ninth and the final session fifth, ended the day with the ninth fastest time overall.

With intermittent rain dousing the Wanneroo circuit, Pye used the opening session to get a feel for the track in the changing conditions.

The rain returned in force during the final practice session and Pye steadily maneouvered his #80 Commodore around the low grip circuit to post the fifth fastest time of 1.05.8325.

“The first session was quite good considering it’s my first time here on the Barbagallo circuit,” Pye said.

“Initially I didn’t have the confidence to go out there and push for that one lap where the tyres were at their best. As a result I was bumped down the order as the track dried out.”

“I felt much more competitive in the second session. It was very wet so we used what we learnt from the first session and worked hard to replicate the speed we held in the wet.

“We finished in a good position so hopefully we can move forward again in tomorrow’s qualifying,” Pye concluded.

The Dunlop Series will qualify at 9.00am (WST) tomorrow followed by Race 1 at 11.30am (WST).  Race 2 will see a reverse grid for the top ten and will get underway at 4.40pm (WST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.auext

Across 2009 and 2011 (with no Perth event in 2010), defending V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup secured three race wins, while #888 pilot Craig Lowndes won one.

Another statistic weighing in the TeamVodafone duo’s favour is their qualifying record at the Wanneroo circuit.  Between them, they have taken the last five pole positions in succession.

Lowndes and Whincup both claimed one pole each in 2009, while Whincup started all three races from the number one grid spot in 2011.

Whincup’s four consecutive pole position starts at the 2.42km West Australian circuit is a record, the previous best of three in a row was held by Peter Brock.

“Perth has actually been a bogey track of mine in the past,” Whincup said. “It took me a long time to get a result there.

“We have had good pace in recent years, which gives me a lot of confidence going into this weekend.

“I enjoy racing in Perth, and I am really looking forward to seeing the track upgrades but I’m also expecting another dogfight on-track so I’ve got to keep my focus,” Whincup acknowledged.

This weekend’s event will also see Craig Lowndes celebrate another milestone in his stellar racing career. The final race at the Trading Post Perth Challenge will mark Lowndes’ 450th ATCC/V8 Supercar Championship Series race start.

“It’s a great milestone in my racing career, I actually didn’t realise time had gone so quickly but it’s nice to have those figures to look back on later in life,” Lowndes said.

“This weekend it’s really important for me to try and get my championship chase back on track.

“I enjoy the Barbagallo circuit and the recent upgrades will make it a lot easier for us and the other teams to go about our business and do what we came here to do,” Lowndes concluded.

Lowndes also holds the record for the most V8SC race wins at Barbagallo with 13.

Jamie Whincup currently sits second in the V8 Supercar Championship Series, just 21 points behind Will Davison while Craig Lowndes is fourth with a total of 557 points.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

After finishing sixth at the season opener in Adelaide, Pye returned to the test track to gain further miles behind the wheel of his Monster Energy/Gear Wrench supported Commodore.

With braking and race set-up the key focus during the Queensland Raceway test, Pye said he was confident he could improve on his Adelaide results.

“In Adelaide I kept locking up the fronts, so my goals during testing were to get my head around braking correctly and tweaking the set-up to make sure the pace is as competitive as it was during qualifying,” Pye explained.

“I’m feeling good heading into the second round of the Dunlop Series. I have had more seat time and I feel that I have improved in quite a few areas.

“The Adelaide event gave me my first taste of what it is like to race wheel-to-wheel in a V8 Supercar so I am looking forward to seeing what Perth has in store for me,” Pye said.

In previous years, the Perth round of the Dunlop Series has consisted of two 28-lap races, this year the format changes to three 18-lap races.

While the overall track time will stay the same, the second race will see the grid for the top 10 drivers reversed.

“The reverse grid race will be interesting and will definitely spice things up,” Pye continued.

“It gives you an opportunity to hone your overtaking skills which we need to develop to become a front-runner in the main series.”

The South Australian currently sits fifth in the Dunlop Series standings with a total of 207 points.

The Dunlop Series will take to the track on Friday for two practice sessions. Saturday’s action will include a 30-minute qualifying session ahead of
Races 1 and 2. The final 18-lap Dunlop Series race will be held on Sunday.

Last year’s Perth round was won by Triple Eight Race Engineering’s 2011 series champion Andrew Thompson.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Craig Lowndes made the most of his race, finishing fourth and gaining solid points from his efforts, despite developing an issue with his brake spray system mid-race.

Earlier in the day, Whincup made a strong start to Qualifying, posting the fastest time of the session before clipping the wall at the Turn 4 chicane, damaging the front right and rear assembly of his Commodore.

Despite sitting out the rest of the qualifying session Whincup started the final 59-lap race from third on the grid.

Whincup suffered wheelspin off the line dropping to seventh, the #1 Commodore driver clawed his way back up to fourth before taking his first pitstop on Lap 9 of the race.

Switching to the soft compound tyres, Whincup passed his teammate on Lap 26 before a battle ensued with FPR drivers Will Davison and Mark Winterbottom. Whincup passed Davison during Lap 30 for second position and made further gains in his final pitstop, closing the gap between himself and Winterbottom.

After a lengthy battle for the lead, Whincup crossed the line in second.Craig Lowndes qualified fourth for today’s 200km race, the TeamVodafone driver got a good start and was third by Turn 1.

Lowndes took his first pitstop on Lap 8 and switched to the soft compound tyres but a leak in the brake spray system, took its toll on the #888 Commodore’s performance.

Unable to keep pace with the leaders, Lowndes’ strategy turned from race mode to points consolidation. After dropping to fourth Lowndes maintained his position until the end of the race.

Whincup sits 21 points behind current V8 Supercar Championship leader Will Davison while Craig Lowndes has moved up the points standings into fourth with a total of 557 points.

TeamVodafone will now head back to their Brisbane-based headquarters to prepare for the Trading Post Perth Challenge on May 4-6.

Fighting from fourth on the grid, Whincup kept the pressure on his opponents, gaining two positions to finish second while teammate Craig Lowndes also charged up the order to take the chequered flag fourth.

The defending Champion, who started the 59-lap race on the hard compound tyres, got a good start and managed his tyres well, maintaining fourth until Lap-8 of the race when he pit to change to soft tyres.

With pitlane holding more grip than Whincup anticipated, he stalled the #1 Commodore and endured an additional eight-seconds in the pits.

Regaining momentum, Whincup kept the pressure on Garth Tander over the closing laps and eventually passed the HRT driver for second place with four laps to go.

Lowndes made a strong start to the day, qualifying second. The team gambled on a change in tyre strategy for the Top Ten Shootout, which coupled with the changing track conditions, affected the balance of the #888 Commodore.

Starting from eighth on the grid, Lowndes’ strategy changed to one of economy. An early pitstop on Lap-6 major role in his attack and saw Lowndes gain four positions.

Lowndes then worked to conserve fuel, aided by the safety car periods, the #888 Commodore moving into fourth position on lap 52.

Not having enough tyre life to push further up the line, Lowndes ended the race in fourth.

Tomorrow will see the V8 Supercar Championship Series Qualify at 12.05pm (NZST) ahead of the final Hamilton ITM400 race at 3.05pm (NZST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Race 5 Results – Hamilton ITM400

1: Will Davison
2: Jamie Whincup
3: Garth Tander
4: Craig Lowndes
5: Rick Kelly
6: Steve Owen
7: James Courtney
8: Michael Caruso
9: Fabian Coulthard
10: Russell Ingall

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Points Standings:

1: Will Davison, 717 pts.
2: Jamie Whincup, 687 pts.
3: Mark Winterbottom, 507 pts.
4: Garth Tander, 497 pts.
5: Shane Van Gisbergen, 471 pts.
6: Lee Holdsworth, 453 pts.
7: Craig Lowndes, 437 pts.
8: Tim Slade, 417 pts.
9: Fabian Coulthard, 399 pts.
10: Rick Kelly, 384 pts.

Craig Lowndes ended the day sixth overall while teammate Jamie Whincup was 17th after an issue in the final session of the day reduced his opportunity to run the #1 Commodore on the soft compound tyres.

The TeamVodafone duo hit the 3.4km street circuit for the first time in the third V8 Supercar session of the day.

Both drivers staying on the hard compound tyres for the duration of the session, working through multiple changes to find a good balance in race trim. Whincup set the fifth fastest time of the session while Lowndes was tenth.

The final session of the day saw both drivers switch to soft tyres in the closing stages of the session. Lowndes struggled to get a clean run and ended the session sixth but an issue with set up change saw Whincup lose valuable time in the pits.

Only able to complete one lap on the soft compound tyres, Whincup ended the day 17th.

The V8 Supercars will be back on track for Qualifying at 11.10am (NZST) tomorrow ahead of the Top Ten Shootout at 12.20pm (NZST). Race 5 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series will commence at 3.05pm (NZST).

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

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Townley, who set the fastest qualifying time in the MX1 class, led home teammate Brad Anderson in the two, back-to-back 10 lap races.

The former world champion then annihilated the field in the final 14-lap moto. Townley held a 30 second lead at the halfway point and a small off into a tight right-hander failed to impact his charge, the New Zealander winning convincingly ahead of rival Josh Coppins.

Despite being struck down with a stomach bug prior to the first race, Townley said he was determined to perform at his best in his first ever MX Nationals event.

“It was great day,” Townley said. “I came here with the intention to win but with the AMA Motocross opportunity on the horizon it was in the back of my mind that I needed to play it safe.

“The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team has worked very hard and tirelessly over the off season and it showed in our results today. They also made a number of sponsor changes, such as the switch to Pirelli tyres and those changes really did contribute to our success.

“The track was well prepared and really fast. I am not normally a fan of fast tracks but it developed some good ruts and had a few good technical sections.

“I was feeling really off colour before the first race so I just tried to battle through. I definitely feel better now and look forward to heading home to see my family,” Townley added.

Teammate Brad Anderson was on target to join Townley on the podium before his #60 Honda CRF450 developed a misfire during the final race, forcing him out of contention.

Despite taking no points from the final race, Anderson’s two; second place finishes gave him fifth overall for the round.

“The bike was fantastic in the first two races but it developed a miss in the final race which we think was caused by the fuel pump,” Anderson explained.

“It is a real shame for the team, they put so much work into this weekend and we were looking good for having all three riders on the podium.

“I rode a bit tight in the first race and got arm pump. With no rest between races it was still there during the second race.

“It was great to get the first big meeting of the year out of the way. I have good speed and I now know what I am up against and the areas that we need to work on,” Anderson concluded.

Ford Dale showed he is back to his best; the local rider and clear crowd favourite qualified first for the MX2 class and came from behind to win the two back-to-back 7-lap races.

In the final 14-lap contest Dale crashed heavily while sitting fourth. The Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing rider re-joined the race and worked his way back up the order to eighth.

Missing the top spot on the podium by just one point Dale said he was pleased to be taking a solid points haul into the next round.

“It was a really good day for me,” Dale said. “I set the fastest time in qualifying and came from behind to win the first two races.

“In the final race I was sitting fourth but crashed and to be honest I was a bit dazed for a couple of laps. I got it together and came back through to eighth.

“The bike was awesome, all the hard work the team and my mechanic Dan have put in really paid off today. I can’t wait for the next round.

With just two weeks until the next event, the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing Team will have little time to reflect on their success at this weekends event which saw them take victory in five of the six races contested across the highly competitive MX1 and MX2 classes.

Monster Energy MX Nationals MX1 Class Results

1. Ben Townley 75
2. Josh Coppins 62
3. Todd Waters 54
4. Jake Moss 46
5. Brad Anderson 44
6. Lawson Bopping 41
7. Jay Marmont 41
8. Cody Cooper 38
9. Tye Simmonds 38
10. Billy Mackenzie 34

Monster Energy MX Nationals MX2 Class Results

1. Kirk Gibbs 63
2. Ford Dale 62
3. Luke Styke 57
4. Josh Cachia 56
5. Adam Monea 50
6. Justin McDonald 48
7. Kade Mosig 44
8. Cheyne Boyd 35
9. Lewis Woods 35
10. Brock Winston 31

Teammate and polesitter Craig Lowndes had a disappointing premature end to today’s race after clashing with Will Davison while dicing for the lead.

The pair made contact at the hairpin resulting in the #888 Commodore suffering broken suspension and forcing Lowndes out of the race.

Whincup made steady progress towards the front today, finishing fifth in practice and qualifying before starting today’s 84-lap race on the hard compound tyres.

Holding fifth off the line, Whincup moved into fourth on lap 3 and continued his charge towards Championship leader Will Davison before locking the rear tyres and spinning spectacularly at the hairpin.

He recovered and re-entered the track in fifth position before a pitstop to switch to the soft compound tyres.

He quickly progresses through the order and moved into second at mid-race distance.

A quick pitstop from the TeamVodafone crew saw Whincup leapfrog race leader Mark Winterbottom to take the lead, which he maintained comfortably until the chequered flag.

The day was bittersweet for Lowndes, who broke the practice lap record earlier in the day before landing pole position for the final 200km race.

Lowndes made a good start to muscle out Davison and maintained the lead until the first pitstop where Davison took the race lead.

With pressure mounting from Mark Winterbottom, the  #888 Commodore pilot saw the chance to make a run at Davison on lap 30, moving to the outside approaching the turn 4 hairpin.

The Holden of Lowndes came into contact with Davison’s car, immediately causing the front left suspension to break and forcing a disappointing DNF.

Jamie Whincup remains second in the V8 Supercar Championship Series on 549 points, only 18 points behind Davison. Lowndes has dropped to eighth position on 317 points.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Race 4 Results – Tasmania Challenge

1: Jamie Whincup
2: Shane Van Gisbergen
3: Will Davison
4: Tim Slade
5: Mark Winterbottom
6: Lee Holdsworth
7: Michael Caruso
8: James Courtney
9: Jonathon Webb
10: Todd Kelly
DNF: Craig Lowndes

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championships Series Points Standings

1: Will Davison, 567 pts.
2: Jamie Whincup , 549 pts.
3: Mark Winterbottom, 471 pts.
4: Shane Van Gisbergen, 432 pts.
5: Lee Holdsworth, 387 pts.
6: Garth Tander, 368 pts.
7: Tim Slade, 357 pts.
8: Craig Lowndes, 317 pts.
9: Fabian Coulthard, 315 pts.
10: Todd Kelly, 282 pts.

Whincup endured a nervous moment in the morning’s practice session, running off the track at Turn 6, the #1 Commodore driver returned to the track without any damage.  After some minor changes between sessions, Whincup recorded the fourth fastest time in Qualifying, setting his best time on his last attempt, and just over one-tenth of a second shy of pole.

The defending champion got the run on Mark Winterbottom off the line in Race 3 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series, the FPR pilot then ran wide coming into the notorious Symmons Plains hairpin and almost forced Whincup off the track, the TeamVodafone driver just managing to keep control of his Commodore to hold second position.

Whincup lost a spot during the pitstops and maintained third until the race end.

Across the other side of the garage, Craig Lowndes finished sixth in practice and struggled to find the right amount of pace in Qualifying, ending the session behind his teammate in fifth.

Starting the 59 lap race on hard compound tyres, Lowndes’ Holden lost a few positions off the line but quickly gained momentum and battled Reynolds for sixth position before the pitstops.

Lowndes held off a charge from Reynolds as he battled Shane Van Gisbergen for fourth. Unable to find a way past the Ford driver, Lowndes settled for fifth position.

After a solid performance from the TeamVodafone duo, Whincup remains second in the championship on 399 points while Lowndes sits in fifth on 317 points.

The Tasmania Challenge will conclude tomorrow with a final 30 minute practice session at 10.05am (AEDST), Qualifying at 1.00pm (AEDST) ahead of Race 4 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at 3.35pm.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Top Ten Results for Race 3 of the V8 Supecar Championship Series – Tasmania Challenge

1: Will Davison
2: Mark Winterbottom
3: Jamie Whincup
4: Shane Van Gisbergen
5: Craig Lowndes
6: David Reynolds
7: Garth Tander
8: Tim Slade
9: Lee Holdsworth
10: Todd Kelly

Top Ten V8 Supercar Championship Series Points Standings:

1: Will Davison, 438 pts.
2: Jamie Whincup, 399 pts.
3: Mark Winterbottom, 360 pts.
4: Garth Tander, 354 pts.
5: Craig Lowndes, 317 pts.
6: Shane Van Gisbergen, 294 pts.
7: Lee Holdsworth, 285 pts.
8: Fabian Coulthard, 243 pts.
9: Tim Slade, 237 pts.
10: Rick Kelly, 216 pts.

Craig Lowndes finished the day 7th fastest, with Jamie Whincup consolidating in 13th.

Lowndes opted for the hard compound tyre to start the second session and circulated consistently to set the third quickest time.

In the final session he chose to keep the same tyres and tune for a race setup, providing great feedback to his crew on his way to posting the 7th quickest time in his Holden.

Whincup’s hard tyre run in the opener was done on a new setup, with tyre wear affecting his charge.

He finished fourth fastest, but continued tyre degradation in the day’s final outing meant he slipped to 13th.

Tomorrow’s early practice session will be used to verify setup ahead of qualifying at 1.25pm and race 3 of the V8 Supercar Championship at 4.10pm.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au

Defending Champion Jamie Whincup can lay claim to 7 of these victories, while teammate Craig Lowndes also has a win under his belt.

If Whincup can add just 1 more race win to his tally in Tasmania, the #1 Holden pilot will become the most successful driver in championship history at the circuit.

“Numbers don’t mean a huge amount to me right now but I’m sure they will mean everything to me later in life, at the moment I’m still in the heat of the battle,” Whincup said.

“I really enjoy the challenges of the Symmons Plains circuit and I’m confident if we bring our A-game to the track this weekend we can be extremely competitive.”

Lowndes may have only won a single race since the series return to Symmons Plains in 2004, but consistency has been on his side.

Since winning his debut race in 1996, he has finished inside the top 10 in 24 of the 27 races contested.

“Symmons Plains has always been a good hunting ground for me,” Lowndes said. “We’ve been very consistent there and I love how unique the circuit is with that tight hairpin.

“I’d love to start a victory run down there this weekend. The Vodafone Commodore has been working extremely well, I’m confident we can come away with a strong result.”

Whincup currently sits second in the V8 Supercar Championship Series on 270 points, 18 points behind Will Davison, Lowndes is fifth in the standings on 206 points.

For regular news and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au