Whincup Claims Ipswich 60/60 Win

Suddenly there is no place like home for V8 Supercars series leader Jamie Whincup.

The 30-year old finally clicked at his Holden team's test track, claiming a stirring victory in the Ipswich round opener on Saturday to get his title defence back on track.

Red Bull Racing Australia was expected to claim victory at Queensland Raceway – but Whincup's teammate Craig Lowndes was the man everyone thought would grab line honours.

Lowndes had savoured racing on his team's home track in recent years, claiming the last five races at Queensland Raceway.

In contrast, Whincup had gone winless in the last eight races west of Brisbane.

However, Whincup turned his luck around by claiming the chequered flag at Ipswich for the first time in four years, barely half a second ahead of fellow Holden driver, exciting Kiwi young gun Scott McLaughlin, while Ford's Mark Winterbottom was third.

Whincup suffered his worst round to date at the last start in Townsville, missing the podium altogether and failing to qualify in the top 10 for the first time this year.

It ensured Lowndes had whittled Whincup's series lead down to just 111 when they arrived at Ipswich.

However, Whincup was not to be denied on Saturday, claiming his ninth pole position of the year before sealing career win No.72 in the opening sprint race split in two 60km legs.

"It's great to bounce back from Townsville. We just have to keep our heads down," Whincup said.

"It's never good when you are not performing. But that was the best speed we have enjoyed all year so it's encouraging."

Whincup led at the half time break after 20-laps ahead of McLaughlin and Lowndes.

Lowndes finished fourth but is under investigation after a bold inside move on the opening lap resulted in contact with Winterbottom and Lockwood Racing's Fabian Coulthard.

The bingle dropped Winterbottom from fourth to sixth and an unlucky Coulthard from third to 15th.

"There are two sides to every story but I thought Coulthard overshot it (and made contact with Winterbottom)," Lowndes said.

"I didn't feel anything. Look at the front of my car. There is no blue mark on it (from Winterbottom's Ford)."

Lowndes now trails Whincup by 131 points in the series standings.

Click here for full race results. 

The Coates Hire Ipswich 360 will conclude with two 100km races on Sunday.