WAU fined, docked points over pit stop breach

Walkinshaw Andretti United has been fined and docked points after a wheel nut rolled into the fast lane during a pit stop in Saturday’s VAILO Adelaide 500 race.

A wheel nut rolled into the fast lane during a stop for Nick Percat in Saturday’s race, which was won by Tickford Racing star Cam Waters.

After an admission by WAU, the team was found in breach of Rule D11.7.2, docked 30 teams’ championship points and fined $1500.

The stewards' report reads: "Following a post-race Deputy Race Director investigation and an admission by the Competitor for Car 2, WAU Racing Pty Ltd, to a breach of Rule D11.7.2: During any Pit Stop all equipment and parts must always be under the complete control of the Designated Pit Crew, the Stewards imposed a Penalty of a loss of 30 Teams Championship Points and a Fine of $1500. During its Pit Stop, Car 2’s wheel nut rolled into the fast lane."

Tickford benefited from a mixed race for Shell V-Power Racing Team to jump to fourth in the teams' championship, with WAU remaining sixth.

Anton De Pasquale came home 21st after he was involved in a first-lap clash that saw Shane van Gisbergen and Will Brown rubbed out. Will Davison, meanwhile, recovered to seventh.

Dick Johnson Racing, Tickford and WAU were covered by 93 points heading to Adelaide. Tickford is now 54 points ahead of DJR, with WAU a further 60 points back with 288 point available on Sunday.

The only penalty imposed during the race was on Todd Hazelwood, who was pinged to the tune of five seconds over contact with James Golding at the final corner.

The stewards' report reads: "The Stewards imposed a 5 second Time Penalty in Race 27 on Car 3 Todd Hazelwood for a breach of Schedule B2 Rule 2.1.1 Careless Driving. The driver of Car 3 lost control of his Car under brakes attempting to overtake Car 31 James Golding on the inside at Turn 14 and made contact with Car 31 which caused Car 31 to lose positions. Car 3 gained an advantage from the contact."

There was no penalty handed down over the incident that saw Shane van Gisbergen crash into Will Brown, who was escorted into the Turn 4 wall by De Pasquale.

The stewards' report reads: "The Deputy Race Director in consultation with the Driving Standards Advisor reviewed contact between Car 11 Anton De Pasquale, Car 9 Will Brown and Car 97 Shane van Gisbergen at Turn 4 on Lap 1 and determined that no Driver was wholly or predominantly to blame. Car 9 was on the outside of Car 11 exiting Turn 4 and the left rear wheel of Car 11 interlocked with the right front wheel of Car 9, causing Car 9 to contact the wall. Car 97 which was travelling close behind, then struck the right rear of Car 9, causing significant damage to both Cars."

Supercars will return to the track for ARMOR ALL Qualifying at 10:15am local time/10:45am AEDT. The Top Ten Shootout will follow at 12:05pm local time/12:35pm AEDT, followed by Race 28 at 2:45pm local time/3:15pm AEDT.