MOSTERT AND MOFFAT WIN, MCLAUGHLIN TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

Chaz Mostert and James Moffat took out the opening race of the Gold Coast 600 – Photo: InSyde Media

Chaz Mostert has replicated his Saturday Gold Coast result from last year to take his first victory of the season, while Scott McLaughlin now leads the title race after finishing in fifth.

Craig Lowndes and Steve Richard finished on the podium after starting 21st – Photo: InSyde Media

Mostert and James Moffat took a 10s victory over Pirtek Enduro Cup leaders Craig Lowndes and Steve Richards, who started 21st, but clawed their way back thanks to Safety Cars. The podium was filled out by James Courtney and Jack Perkins.

Mclaughlin scored Pole, but co-driver Alex Premat started the race, but his lead only lasted two laps as Paul Dumbrell showed the nose of his Red Bull Holden Racing Team ZB Commodore at Turn 12, tapping the Frenchman and dropping the DJR Team Penske FGX Falcon to fifth.

Scott McLaughlin led the race early – Photo: InSyde Media

A Safety Car called on lap 23 triggered chaos and proved disastrous for the RBHRT as Dumbrell stalled and was subsequently hit by Moffat, while Earl Bamber was penalised for an unsafe release.

On the contrary, DJR Team Penske affected perfect pit stops meaning Tony D’Alberto led and after Dumbrell had undertaken his penalty, Premat sat in fourth.

D’Alberto and Fabian Coulthard’s strategy was compromised by McLaughlin and Premat the duo finished 11th, but critically Shane van Gisbergen could only cross the line 10th meaning McLaughlin takes a 14-point championship lead into tomorrow’s race.

Mostert dominated the second half of the race giving the Tickford team its first win since this time last year.

Tomorrow’s action starts at 10:20pm with Qualifying.

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