Investigation clears SVG, DJRTP protests

An investigation has cleared Shane van Gisbergen of a pitlane wheelspin breach at Pukekohe, but his Race 28 victory remains subject to a protest from DJR Team Penske.

The Red Bull Holden Racing Team driver passed championship rival Scott McLaughlin twice in the 200km race and then built enough of a buffer to cancel out a late five-second penalty.

That was for contact between the pair at the hairpin on lap 60 of the 70, as van Gisbergen tried to overtake the Shell Ford for the lead.

He was already, though, the subject of a stewards' investigation for spinning rear wheels during his second pitstop on lap 45.

A post-race investigation held on Saturday evening deemed the rear wheels did not complete a full rotation before the car hit the ground.

A single rotation is used as the threshold as to whether the wheelspin is within or beyond the permitted tolerance.

Deputy Race Director Michael Masi’s findings explained:

“Following a review of the Broadcast footage from a number of angles and Supercars data from Car #97, it was observed that the rear wheels of Car #97 did not complete in excess of a full revolution.

“Consistent with previous determinations of the DRD, when investigating if a breach of Rule D11.8.8 has occurred, the rear wheels must complete in excess of one full revolution for the imposition of a penalty to be recommended to the Stewards.

“As this did not occur the matter does not warrant being referred to the Stewards.”

DJR Team Penske has, however, lodged a protest, meaning the results remain provisional.

Stewards are set to convene at Pukekohe on Sunday morning to hear the protest.

Van Gisbergen entered the 200km race 14 points behind McLaughlin in the championship, and would be just two adrift if he is allowed to keep the win.

This weekend is the penultimate leg of the 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, with only the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 on November 23-25 to follow.