Waters: Crash to P8 '100 percent' one of best comebacks

Cam Waters has labelled his Saturday fightback "100 percent" one of his best comeback drives, with the Tickford Racing star recovering to eighth after a start-line crash.

Waters qualified on pole position for Saturday's rain-affected ITM Taupō Super400 opener, but was sent towards the wall after contact from the fast-starting Tim Slade.

Slade launched from fourth and collided with Waters, with the latter's #6 Monster Energy Ford sustaining significant front-right damage.

The #23 PremiAir Nulon Camaro was out on the spot, with Slade later saying the "gap closed" between Waters and championship leader Will Brown.

Waters pitted twice before the race restarted, and in driving rain and with the front-right of the car exposed with bodywork removed, he powered back to eighth.

Such was his performance, that Waters finished ahead of Brown, who led the early part of the race and went on to win Sunday's dry race.

Speaking on the broadcast after Sunday's finale, when asked if Saturday's drive was one of his better comeback efforts, Waters replied: "Yeah, 100 percent.

"So, that was obviously a really good race for us. I think probably one that kind of got away.

"We definitely had a speedy car and if it was straight I think we probably could have won it, but It is what it is."

Waters qualified 12th for Sunday's race and raced to ninth, and had a front-row seat to the battle between Brodie Kostecki and Richie Stanaway that attracted penalties for both drivers.

With Brown winning Race 8, Waters heads to Perth 388 points from the championship lead, and is still without silverware in eight starts despite claiming two poles.

However, such is the tight midfield, that Waters could be as high as fourth in the standings after the Perth opener next month, with drivers from Stanaway to fourth to Waters in 15th covered by just 99 points.

Waters also paid tribute to the New Zealand fans, who stuck through Saturday's rain to be rewarded with two epic Supercars races.

"It's been awesome to be here in New Zealand. I really loved racing this track," said Waters, who will return to the United States for a second NASCAR Truck Series start, this time in Kansas.

"Like the whole idea itself was really cool... awesome crowd as well. And good to have some better weather today for all the fans."

The tight mid-pack battle after Taupō