Whincup: Triple Eight giving both drivers 'best opportunity'

Triple Eight boss Jamie Whincup maintains both of his drivers will be given the “best opportunity” to qualify for Adelaide, while they’re still in contention.

Broc Feeney and Will Brown are both at serious risk of being eliminated on Sunday, following a dramatic and costly race on Saturday.

Feeney fell from third to 12th in the final stint, while Brown was classified 20th after being penalised for spinning Cameron Hill while fighting back from his own mistake.

Feeney, who is just one point ahead of fifth-placed Cam Waters, has emerged as Triple Eight’s strongest hope of qualifying for the Grand Final. Feeney qualified sixth for Sunday’s race, with Brown 19th, just behind Waters.

However, Whincup ruled out putting all eggs in the Feeney basket on Sunday, given Brown is still in mathematical contention to qualify.

“No, it’s still a long race, so while two cars are still eligible, we’ll make sure we give them the best opportunity,” Whincup said.

“Broc’s [Shootout] lap then, he was solid, he went a little bit deep down at Dandenong Road, but apart from that, it was a pretty solid lap.”

The caveat for both drivers has emerged as Anton De Pasquale, who is sixth in points but will start on the front row, is in prime position to attack for victory and win his way to Adelaide.

“We put ourselves in one of the best spots we could be in,” Team 18 driver De Pasquale said.

When asked if he can win: “I think so. Our car’s definitely better than yesterday. This tyre’s working better for us today.

“It’s got to look after its tyre and do all that, it’s going to be tight at the front, a lot of fast dudes out there.

“We’ll throw everything at it, nothing to lose, it sort of happens today or it doesn’t.

“Unless bad fortune finds some people, we’re going to have to win this thing.”

The Sandown finale commences at 3:30pm local time.