Celebrity Tips for 2016
Ahead of the 2016 season opener, v8supercars.com spoke to some high profile fans for their predictions this season.
It is set to be another electric year, with the V8 Supercars just days away from kicking off the year at the Clipsal 500.
Driver movements, team restructures and new-look beasts will be front and centre this weekend in Adelaide.
Check out our celebs' predictions and give us your own below.
Corey Parker - Brisbane Broncos Captain - NRL
1. Who will win the 2016 V8 Supercars Championship?
I think Shane van Gisbergen will be hard to beat now that he's in such a strong team. I also feel Chaz [Mostert] has a big chance as well.
2. Who will win Bathurst?
Bathurst is such a tough race to call a winner. One thing is for sure, you need someone that has been there and done it before. Experience is the key, I believe!
3. Who will be the driver to watch this season?
I'm interested to see how the new teams go with their new drivers. SVG with Red Bull and Fabian [Coulthard] with DJR Team Penske.
4. Do you support a certain driver or manufacturer and why?
I support a few as I'm mates with some of the drivers. Lee Holdsworth, Jamie [Whincup] and Craig [Lowndes], Chaz and James Courtney - so I'm a bit of a fence sitter, sorry!
5. What has been your best V8 Supercars experience?
My best experience would be being on the hill at Bathurst with a coldie with some mates and also starting the grid at Gold Coast 600 last year. Not to mention a few hot laps here and there. The pace car lap at GC was pretty special. I love the access the public has.
Charli Robinson – Scoopla/Sea FM Gold Coast breakfast host – radio
1. Who will win the 2016 V8 Supercars Championship?
Shane Van Gisbergen. He came fourth last year and I think with Red Bull behind him this year, the team will take him to more podium wins.
2. Who will win Bathurst?
Mark Winterbottom. His last win there was 2013. Last year he wanted it – that drive to win the most iconic race of the season is still strong. He has the talent, the team just needs the luck on the day. We all know the mountain can throw anything at you!
3. Who will be the driver to watch this season?
Chaz Mostert. What a talent. It was almost 140 days between the crash and driving a V8 Supercar again and he looks better than ever. I think he has a lot to show fans and himself in 2016. He’s young, his reflexes are amazing and after the injury I believe his passion is stronger than ever for the sport.
4. Do you support a certain driver or manufacturer and why?
I was raised a Ford girl, then my dad followed Craig Lowndes so he crossed over to Holden. I follow the drivers more than the manufacturer now. Frosty, James Courtney, DJR boys, Scotty McLaughlin, Reynolds, Craig… that’s almost everyone!
5. What has been your best V8 Supercars experience?
When I was eight, my dad took my sister and I to Bathurst, we sat on Hell Corner and experienced the engines roaring past – I was hooked! Now I’ve grown up, the experience on track for girls is amazing! It’s a real event, action packed and you can get so close. The best experience is being there!
Shane Mumford – GWS Giants Ruckman – AFL
1. Who will win the 2016 V8 Supercars Championship?
‘Frosty' Winterbottom and his son are both fans of the Giants and he’s my favourite driver so I’m tipping him to go back-to-back this year.
2. Who will win Bathurst?
Can’t go past Winterbottom. I’ve never been to a Bathurst race but it’s definitely on my bucket list.
3. Who will be the driver to watch this season?
I’m a big fan of Dave Reynolds so hopefully he can go alright this season.
4. Do you support a certain driver or manufacturer and why?
I used to drive Holdens as a young fella but now I just follow specific drivers more so than manufacturers.
5. What has been your best V8 Supercars experience?
Back when I used to play for Geelong I went down to the pits at Sandown and listened to Mark Winterbottom through the headset. That was a great experience being so close to the action.
Jessica Yates – FOX Sports presenter and V8 Supercars coverage host – TV
1. Who will win the 2016 V8 Supercars Championship?
For the first time since 2010, Jamie Whincup will not have the number one plate on his car. He finished fifth in the championship in 2015 – I think these two facts alone are huge motivation to make 2016 his best season yet. He definitely found speed and had a strong finish to the year last year. I think he’ll carry that momentum into 2016, which will make him hard to beat.
2. Who will win Bathurst?
I think Shane van Gisbergen is a chance to claim his maiden Bathurst 1000 title in 2016. He recently won the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, so has miles and confidence under his belt. Add to that, the fact he’ll be in Red Bull Racing Australia colours and I believe he’s one to beat. He’s paired with Frenchman Alex Premat for the endurance rounds, who brings a wealth of experience.
3. Who will be the driver to watch this season?
I’m really interested to see how Scott McLaughlin fares in 2016. GRM was plagued by reliability issues in 2015, but had seemingly overcome them by the end of the season and had a strong finish with a podium at Pukekohe. McLaughlin will be a championship contender and will definitely be buoyed by the addition of James Moffat to the team, who will push him.
4. Do you support a certain driver or manufacturer and why?
I’ll be cheering for the Harvey Norman Supergirls at this year’s Bathurst 1000. Simona de Silvestro is a massive international talent and it’s terrific to have her involved in V8 Supercars. Her co-driver Renee Gracie will be running in the Dunlop Series again this year and I think the girls will be much more competitive in their second outing at the mountain.
5. What has been your best V8 Supercars experience?
I was lucky enough to jump in Fabian Coulthard’s car last year at Townsville for a hot lap. It was incredible to experience first-hand how much the driver’s use the kerbs around the street circuit. It is quite violent but so much fun. The level of focus and precision drivers must have in physically demanding conditions is incredible.
Michael Slater – co-host of the Big Sports Breakfast, Sky Sports Radio – former cricketer
1. Who will win the 2016 V8 Supercars Championship?
Mark Winterbottom.
2. Who will win Bathurst?
Jamie Whincup.
3. Who will be the driver to watch this season?
Shane van Gisbergen.
4. Do you support a certain driver or manufacturer and why?
I grew up as a passionate Holden supporter because of Peter Brock, but these days I am very neutral in my following and have loved the inclusion of other manufacturers. The drivers promote their sport brilliantly!
5. What has been your best V8 Supercars experience?
A hot lap with Jamie Whincup.
Do you agree with our celebs? Leave us your predictions for 2016 below as the Clipsal 500 fast approaches. Click here for all event information.
