Winterbottom disappointed to miss podium

Mark Winterbottom was disappointed not to score a podium amid Team 18’s best weekend of the year.

Winterbottom recorded finishes of eighth, 12th and fifth at the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint.

Teammate Scott Pye enjoyed his best weekend of the year with two sevenths and a fifth.

The team was a fixture of the top 10 for the balance of the weekend.

Winterbottom was on for a strong finish in Race 25, but a hit by Brodie Kostecki at pit entry cost him performance.

The 2015 champion started fourth for the finale, but a poor start scuppered his charge.

It meant Winterbottom's bid for a first Team 18 podium continues until Pukekohe, at least.

"I just couldn’t get off the line in the final race,” he said.

"The wheels spun and we were in fourth position so it was looking good and after that we had a pretty good race.

“The car was fast and with a better start I think we could have got a podium today.

“Happy with our pace but disappointed we didn’t spray champagne at the end

"We were fast all weekend, few little issues but we’re moving forwards which is great.

"Not many rounds left but hopefully this is good signs to come for the rest of the year.”

Pye was an impressive fifth for the round.

“I’m really happy with that,” he said.

“Stoked for the crew as well, they played a huge part in all three of those races.

“Their pit stops were amazing, we had engine changes, gearbox changes on my car and the car ran faultless after every change we did.

“We’ll try and take this momentum into Pukekohe in a few weeks.”

Winterbottom and Pye are 12th and 17th in the points respectively.

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