Whincup applauds Mostert, WAU amid championship heartbreak
Jamie Whincup applauds Chaz Mostert, WAU amid championship heartbreak
Tough Sunday for Broc Feeney, Triple Eight saw Mostert and WAU clinch drivers' title
Triple Eight boss Whincup labels final day "the worst day I've ever had at the race track"
A crestfallen Jamie Whincup has congratulated Chaz Mostert and Walkinshaw Andretti United on their title victory, amid the pain of "the worst day I've ever had at the race track.”
Triple Eight boss Whincup was helpless to watch on as an engine gremlin robbed Feeney of a shot at denying Mostert the championship after a lap 1 clash with Ryan Wood.
Despite running away with the teams’ championship, Red Bull Ampol Racing missed out on the drivers’ title in a season the team claimed 16 wins, 20 poles and had both drivers in contention.
Speaking post-race, a “gutted" Whincup said he had "never felt so hollow in all my life.”
At Monday night’s Gala Awards, Whincup accepted the teams’ championship, apologising to Feeney and paying tribute to his hard-working crew.
“This trophy means a lot, no doubt. We've got an incredible team. I couldn't be more prouder of them. They do an incredible job week in, week out,” Whincup said.
"We all know in this room how hard it is to prep two cars, let alone get two into the Finals Series. So, couldn't be prouder of everyone.
“An apology to Broc and the 88 crew. We're so sorry we couldn't get it done for you this year. We did everything we could, but we'll make sure we rectify that well and truly into the future.
“We had an incredible year. All those results that you talk about, we're very, very proud.”
For all of his successes, Whincup has also encountered crushing defeats, from Bathurst heartbreak to championship frustration. However, the Supercars Hall of Famer labelled Sunday as the “worst day” of the lot, with Feeney left in tears.
"But, as you all would've witnessed yesterday, that was the worst day I've ever had at the race track, to be honest,” Whincup continued.
“And I've had a few — you look at the Bathurst highlights, there's been a few for me. But, with all the results, to come away absolutely gutted, that's what the sport's all about.
"It must be in the disclaimer somewhere. we don't read it when we sign it. You can't have the highs without the lows. We've had some incredible highs, but yes, they hurt.”
However, Whincup made sure to recognise the efforts of Mostert and WAU, which combined to win the Walkinshaw organisation’s first drivers' title in 23 years. In between Walkinshaw titles, Triple Eight won 278 races, 10 Bathursts and 11 drivers’ titles.
“But I want to make sure, and it's important to us, that our story only adds to the Chazzie Mostert, WAU story,” Whincup said.
“Broc said it incredibly well, you guys are deserving champions. You did an incredible job. You did the job when it mattered. So, from us to you, congratulations. It's been an incredible season and well done."
Whincup's team will switch from General Motors to Ford in 2026, with Triple Eight overseeing homologation and engine duties for the Blue Oval.
