Race 8: View From The Couch

Paul Govers Notes from the Couch after Race 8

• Easily the best Supercars race in a very long time. Cam Waters and Scott McLaughlin showed that rubbing is still racing.
• Proof positive that the Dunlop tyre allocation for Sydney Motorsport Park is an A-plus winner. Forcing teams to compromise on their tyres through the three races has shuffled the order and created action at the start and finish.
• The Jamie Whincup fairytale didn’t quite come true. Even so, to get pole position and second place in his 500th start shows his class.
• Nick Percat capitalised on a good car and tyres, scoring his first win since 2016. It was the way he won, going consistently quick and pouncing on Whincup, that showed he still has the right stuff. Great also to see the Dunlop livery on the car from Brad Jones Racing.
• Shane van Gisbergen never starred, but should bounce back with better tyres in Race 3. Red Bull-HRT confirms he has a knee injury, suffered while running, but it’s not affecting him in the car.
• Questions to be answered on the heroes and zeroes. Lots of drivers struggling with tyres, but also perhaps handicapped without the usual engineering support in a tight timeframe.
• James Courtney still learning his Ford Mustang but solid in 9th and one of the big improvers from the grid. Also second of the Tickford Racing cars.
• Normal service resumed at Erebus, with David Reynolds rebounding from a lacklustre Saturday for fifth place and ahead of Anton De Pasquale in 12th.
• Barry Ryan is the only Team Principal in pitlane under crew restrictions, but earning his keep on the tools.

Race 8 Result