MOSTERT ASSERTS MUSTANG DOMINANCE

Chaz Mostert scored his first win of 2019 – Photo: InSyde Media

A peculiar build-up to the third Supercars race has delivered a different winner, however, it was still Mustang that came out on top.

The front-row was eliminated on the warm lap after Cam Waters contacted championship leader Scott McLaughlin, leaving both critically wounded. McLaughlin’s DJR Team Penske Mustang suffered a damaged transaxle, while suspension damage was the result for Waters.

This left Brad Jones Racing duo to lead the field from the second row of the grid. Tim Slade made a strong start, but Nick Percat was overtaken by Jamie Whincup into Turn 1, leaving the seven-time champion to workover Slade.

Behind, Lee Holdsworth was caught up in the usual opening lap melee at Turns 1 and 2 as upfront Whincup was placing the pressure on Slade until he successfully took the lead at Turn 13 and emerged out front after the first lap.

Whincup quickly bridged a 2.3886s gap back to Slade with Mostert lurking behind.

Lap 10 was when the Red Bull Holden Racing Team made its call to bring Whincup in and a trouble-free pit stop meant he re-joined as first of the ones to pit stop. Mostert, however, was ranging on the back of the RBHRT Commodore as Slade went long and dropped behind the Tickford Racing driver.

Turn 3 was where Mostert took his opportunity on lap 13 and slid it down the inside to snatch the lead, one that he failed to give away, even after a late-race Safety Car caused by Shane van Gisbergen’s right-rear wheel parting company due to sheered wheel nuts.

He managed to finish two laps down in 22nd.

It was a perfect start for Mostert, who comfortable broke away from the duelling Holden pair of Whincup and Slade behind to win by 1.2s.

Earlier in the day, McLaughlin secured his fourth win in a row.

Scott McLaughlin won the earlier race – Photo: InSyde Media

Tomorrow’s final Supercars race begins at 1:35pm AEDT.

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