Davison keen to prevent mate Whincup's Bathurst 'fairytale'
Will Davison has no intention of allowing the retiring Jamie Whincup a “fairytale” result at Mount Panorama.
This weekend’s Repco Bathurst 1000 will be Red Bull Ampol Racing driver Whincup’s final full-time start.
Davison and Whincup have been joined at the hip for much of their careers, and for a time, were housemates.
Whincup made his Great Race debut in 2002, and Davison in 2004.
They combine for six Bathurst wins and 11 podiums. However, just once - in 2007 - have they shared a podium at Mount Panorama.
Whincup’s final weekend before he heads into team management has featured a number of celebrations, from a ceremonial flyover to a special bonnet.
However, the racer in Davison - who is chasing a third Great Race win - is refusing to buy into a swansong fifth Bathurst win for Whincup.
“When all’s said and done... we’ve been mates since we were young fellas,” the Shell V-Power Racing Team veteran said.
“We’ve been rivals too. This is the biggest race of the year and it means a massive amount to all of us on the grid.
“He’s had an amazing career. I’m super pumped for him as a mate, but he’s had enough success.
Davison finished third in 2007 as Whincup won
“I’m going to do everything I can to not let him get the fairytale finish.
“I certainly will be focusing on my job to win this race.”
Whincup and Davison sit second and third in the 2021 points race. Davison is 246 points behind Whincup, and could finish the year second.
However, a Bathurst disaster could see Davison - who will race with older brother Alex - drop as low as sixth.
Davison's wait for a 20th career win has extended to over five years despite a number of near misses this season.
The two embrace after an iconic 2012 battle in Adelaide
Notably, he missed out in Darwin despite claiming both Sunday poles, was caught out by an ill-timed Safety Car in Townsville, and suffered electrical gremlins in Sydney.
The 39-year-old's last win came in the 2016 Bathurst 1000 when he was driving for Tekno Autosports.
While he has one eye on the championship fight, Davison was adamant all teams will have their eyes on winning the Great Race prize.
“This championship position is still up for a fight between myself, Jamie, Cam, Chaz and possibly even Anton,” he said.
“But I think we’re all focused on going hard at this race. We’ll be doing everything we can, like every other year.
'I’m super pumped for him as a mate, but he’s had enough success'
“You’ve always got one eye on the points, but it doesn’t change your attack and approach to this race.
“We’re firing all our eggs in one basket to win this race. If you have a good day Sunday, the points will take care of itself.
“Obviously I want to hang onto my championship position; top three is better than not.
“But winning this race is all I’m focused on."
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