Season in review: Jamie Whincup
Our 2014 V8 Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup was first to answer v8supercars.com.au's 10 questions - and his answers, including most disappointing race of the year, might surprise you.
Whincup notched up a record-breaking sixth title at the Sydney NRMA 500, winning by almost two rounds' worth of points, it wasn't always an easy run.
The Red Bull racer dropped as low as seventh in the points - but with an exceptional second half of the year the 31-year old fought back and showed why he's the best in the business.
V8supercars.com.au: What was your best race in 2014?
"My best race for 2014 would be Sunday on the Gold Coast. Gold Coast is a home event for me, so a very special moment."
Most disappointing race?
"Most disappointing race... (Bathurst is suggested - but Whincup laughs).
"Down in Tasmania on the Saturday where me and my teammate tripped over each other. It wasn't a proud moment for both of us.
"We certainly made up after that, but we tripped over each other -there's one rule, don't run into each other and we failed to do that, so it was disappointing."
Best battle?
"The one that comes to mind is Adelaide with Scotty McLaughlin ...I made him work for his place, pushed hard, got to the front, locked the rears and speared off on the last corner.
"I was so sure he'd tagged the back of me, but I watched the replay five minutes later and saw he was nowhere near me, so great battle - he got me that time. Hopefully I had my day next time."
Best off-track memory?
"I think we did the biggest PR activation ever, or the biggest I've been involved in, to put two V8 Supercars in a [C-130J] Hercules and then fly it from Brisbane to Bathurst. Flew up over the top of the hill and did a big 45-degree turn over the top of the track; it was absolutely incredible, great to be involved in this year."
What was your goal starting the season and how did it play out?
"Goal starting the season was to do the best job we possibly could. Not necessarily win -if someone stepped up, there's no problems there. I just wanted to make sure we achieved our maximum, and I feel we did that.
"Thankfully it was better than everyone else."
Best performance by another driver?
"I think the biggest performance by another driver this year had to be Chaz [Mostert] starting from last at Bathurst. I know first-hand how difficult it is to come through from last, and to win the Great Race was a fantastic achievement - one he'll remember for a long time."
Most valuable co-driver?
"Most valuable co-driver is definitely Paul Dumbrell. I'm very lucky to have him as a mate [and] in my corner come the season of endurance next year."
Who will improve the most next year?
"I was going to say Scotty Pye but he doesn't have a deal.
"Chaz. I think the most improved next year -although he's not doing too badly, he's won the great race this year - will be Chaz Mostert. He's a young kid, still learning these cars. No doubt he'll make a big step up next year."
What are you most looking forward to next year?
"Most looking forward to getting back out on track. I love street tracks, love getting back to Bathurst, but competition really ... just getting out there and racing."
2014 stats
