MSS Security Challenge About Hard Racing for Whincup
Eyes were on Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin in yesterday’s first race – and for the five-time Champ, going hard is what this weekend’s event is about.
“I’ll remember the battles out of this weekend, not so much the points and trophies,” Whincup told v8supercars.com.au.
“I’ll remember the racing that went on. I’ve had two good races – not so much at the front – but two good battles both with good quality drivers, so really happy.”
Referring to Volvo’s McLaughlin and Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander, Whincup seemed a little deflated to be seventh overall, but found positives from yesterday’s outings.
He was penalised five grid spots after failing to give McLaughlin racing room as their battle from Adelaide, fighting for second place, was relived.
“From my point of view, we were racing hard like we did in Adelaide. No contact, it was good quality kind of racing.
“We both enjoyed it – well, I definitely enjoyed it, I can only speak for myself – but enjoyed it. Good race, good feeling. It was dampened at the end (by the penalty), but I won’t let that hurt my spirit.
“Racing is about racing – especially the Grand Prix – it’s about going hard, it’s not about cars circulating. So I enjoyed race one, which is absolutely the main thing.”
The young Kiwi also spoke highly of the quality of racing between the two – so is the Whincup-McLaughlin rivalry the next big head-to-head to watch?
The Red Bull racer had to think for a second.
“I’m not sure about that,” he said.
“I hope so – I hope we are battling, and if we are battling, I hope it’s for the win – I hope we’re battling up the front.
“Those guys do a good job, they’ve stepped up this year.
“Yeah, fingers crossed we can keep that tempo up and both be battling for podium spots, that’s what it’s all about.”
For Whincup though, there are 24 guys to beat. It’s not about focusing on one particular rival.
“I know it’s probably a good story, but it’s not like that once you get on track – I just love battling everyone, not a particular driver.
“I had a great battle with Garth, so it’s not like it changes when I come across another driver; Mark (Winterbottom) in the past; or Scotty the last two rounds. We don’t really talk them down (the individual rivalries), just the reality of it is it’s not a big thing. You’re just having a battle with another driver on the track.
“Like I said, I had an awesome battle with Scotty in the first race, another great battle with Garth then, trying to get in front of him. It’s all good quality racing. It’s good when it’s play on.”
This weekend is about making the most of that and enjoying his racing.
“A little bit of rubbing here and there is fine that’s what V8s is all about, that’s what separates us from the open wheel categories, that we can do a bit of rubbing. As long as it’s all above board which it has been, it’s great.”
Given the 5.303km Albert Park circuit is tough to pass, Whincup sees an uphill battle ahead of him today and tomorrow.
“I was right in the mix after second in the first one, but … dropped back to seventh and that’s the way it is. As I say I’ll remember the battles out of this weekend.”
Whincup has earned 117 points across the two races, equal with teammate Craig Lowndes.
Leader van Gisbergen sits on 150, 30 points clear of his closest rival Michael Caruso.
Race Three of the MSS Security Challenge begins at 3.25pm local time and will be broadcast live in Australia on Channels 10 and ONE. See the TV Schedule for further details.
