A courageous drive from Shane van Gisbergen has helped the Holden star secure a drama-packed first Supercars night race in Australia for 21 years.
Van Gisbergen engaged in a classic battle with championship rival Scott McLaughlin before passing the Ford driver with 10 laps to go in an enthralling race at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Brave drive: Red Bull Holden Racing Team's Shane van Gisbergen at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Photo: AAP
It proved to be a stunning night for Red Bull Holden as Jamie Whincup worked his way past McLaughlin with three laps to go for a second-place finish.
Van Gisbergen's fifth win of the season and 29th of his career could prove to be a vital one in his quest for a second title.
The safety car coming out with 19 laps to go in the 300km race played into van Gisbergen's favour as the race previously seemed to be a two-way fight between McLaughlin and Holden veteran Craig Lowndes.
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But van Gisbergen adopted an ultra-aggressive approach from the restart to pick off Lowndes before flying past fellow New Zealand driver McLaughlin following a number of unsuccessful attempts.
Reigning champion Whincup also benefited from the safety car as he was able to pass Lowndes and then McLaughlin, setting a race lap record of 1:29.8424 at the Eastern Creek circuit.
Tickford Racing's Chaz Mostert rounded out the top five, finishing behind Lowndes and McLaughlin.
It could be a defining moment in the championship fight with van Gisbergen taking 300 points away from the 10th round of the season, with the sole race of the weekend worth double a regular event.
McLaughlin was unable to convert his 11th pole of the season as van Gisbergen's success cut the gap in the championship battle to only 89 points.
AAP
