'Devastated' Davison rues costly electrical issue
A "devastated" Will Davison was left lamenting a mid-race electrical drama which forced him to surrender his Race 21 lead.
Davison crossed the line second at Sydney Motorsport Park behind Shane van Gisbergen, who claimed his 12th win of 2021.
It came after Davison bolted into an early lead, having benefited from teammate Anton De Pasquale's poor start from pole.
The #17 Shell V-Power Mustang began suffering the issue on lap 2, but it did little to deter Davison.
Davison had created a three-second lead, but was forced to power cycle his car when he came into pit lane.
To prevent speeding in the lane, Davison slowed to such an extent that van Gisbergen removed the margin, the series leader swerving into the fast lane.
Davison was then jumped by van Gisbergen in the pits; Davison took on four tyres, and van Gisbergen three.
He would still challenge the #97 Red Bull Ampol Racing Commodore in the closing laps, but eventually took the chequered flag in second position.
It ensured Davison's personal winless run extended to 144 races dating back to the 2016 Bathurst 1000.
"I'm gutted," Davison said.
"We lost all dash and comms on lap 2... I was driving blind.
"I knew my shift points pretty well, but when I came into the stop, I had no lights, no gear position; it had a blackout in the pit lane.
"I didn't know what gear I was in, I was in neutral... I was trundling down pit lane with no electrics at all."
Davison and van Gisbergen caught De Pasquale, who stopped early. On lap 23, van Gisbergen fought past, with De Pasquale allowing Davison through.
From there, Davison shadowed van Gisbergen, but waved the white flag on the final lap.
"I can't believe it; but these things happen," said Davison, who moved back into third in the points standings.
"To be in that position, and after a few years for me... I won't lie, I'm devastated.
"I was so much more competitive than yesterday... I didn't foresee the issues I'd have down the lane."
Van Gisbergen, who extended his series lead over teammate Jamie Whincup, admitted the #17's issue played into his hands.
"We had a bit of luck obviously with whatever dramas they had but perfect pit stop by the Red Bull Ampol Racing boys and got out in front,” van Gisbergen said.
"Had to make some passes; again, had a pretty fun first lap racing with the guys and that set the race up.
"We have to make sure everyone knows we’re here to win races and not just collect points.
"There’s a long way to go before we start thinking about that, so I’m here to have a crack."
