Reigning V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup praised the driving of rival Shane van Gisbergen after they produced a stunning battle for victory in the Gold Coast 600 at Surfers Paradise.
Triple 8 star Whincup went door-to-door with van Gisbergen for the final half dozen laps with the Stone Brothers Ford driver. The pair ended up jumping the first chicane as they traded paint down the start/finish line as they headed on to the final lap.
"That's what its all about two cars going at it for the win," he said. "It's very rewarding. It's my home race, so I come here praying for the win."
After coming so close to his first win, Kiwi van Gisbergen was naturally delighted with his performance.
"I was trying pretty hard and Jamie was driving well. This was the first race when I've really been up there. Following guys like Jamie I learned a lot, so thanks for that! In the end it was definitely on, but I just couldn't quite pull it up at the chicane. I'm sure it's going to happy some time soon."
It was however, the first win for Whincup's co-driver Steve Owen.