Supercars: Van Gisbergen claims one of the greatest wins of his career

Fairy tales don’t come along every day in sport, but today they did for Auckland’s Supercars’ Champion Shane van Gisbergen.

The dominant kiwi won his way into history with dual victories on the final ever day of Supercars racing at his home circuit, Pukekohe Park Raceway and Holden’s final ever day at the circuit as well.

His victory in the final race of the event was described by van Gisbergen as “Better than winning Bathurst.”

In front of thousands of kiwi fans, the Red Bull ace equalled fellow kiwi Scott McLaughlin’s season record of 18 race victories, by moving from 8th to first, with a daring move to overtake Cam Waters Mustang at high speed with just two laps to go to take the race lead.

The move saw the crowd rise as one to cheer on their local hero, who held his nerve to claim victory and his third Jason Richards’ Memorial Trophy.

All Supercars that finished the race formed a guard of honor on the circuit to thank fans before van Gisbergen, Waters and another Auckland product, Andre Heimgartner, stood on the podium in front of the famous hill at Pukekohe.

Van Gisbergen also secured the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy for a third time.

“I didn’t give up,” van Gisbergen said.

“I knew he was going to be the hardest guy to get past.

“He was doing all the right things, but making some mistakes as well.

“I just kept moving around in the mirror… unreal.”

It could’ve been a much different story today. Shell V-Power Racing’s Will Davison who was leading the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy standings – was leading Sunday’s final race before a pit lane error by his crew ended his chances of a second victory of the weekend.

Van Gisbergen now heads to Supercars’ Great Race, the Repco Bathurst 1000, holding a 525-point Championship lead over Waters. Davison is third and Anton De Pasquale is fourth.

Sunday Race 2 Results

Sunday Race 1 Results

DRIVER STANDINGS – REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP