6:00pm We caught up with the drivers fresh off the podium to see how they felt after a big day of racing:
Jamie Whincup – Car #88
“We’re feeling mixed emotions as we’re happy to be on podium, but we fought hard and just got done by pace. They (DJR Team Penske) were a bit more aggressive on strategy. It’s disappointing not to get the win but it’s obviously good for points for us and it’s a good team result.”
Paul Dumbrell – Car #88 Co-Driver
“The car was quite good for us today and after yesterday we asked for a mistake-free run, which we did. We got a bit of a lead and through my stint the car wasn’t too bad to be honest. I would say it was a bit of fuel conservation, or lack of, from car #17 and then the lack of drive probably hurt us. However, Jamie’s got the championship lead so I think going from the start of the enduro season to now, it’s not a bad outcome.”
Shane van Gisbergen – Car #97
“We did well in qualifying, it was really fun and we had an awesome car in the dry conditions. It was a big change to go from all wets yesterday to dry today but the guys did a great job and the team managed 1-2-3 in qualifying which was very special. In the main race, we lost out on fuel economy by the looks of it. We had good speed in all three cars but they (DJR Team Penske) jumped us in both pit stops so we need to see what we can do there. Matty (Campbell) did awesome, it was a perfect job by him, all three co-drivers did a good job with no mistakes and stayed up front. We just need to find a bit more speed and better fuel economy. Next stop, Pukekohe – should be pretty good, I love racing there and it’ll be good to stay home and have Mum’s cooking.”
Matty Campbell – Car #97 Co-Driver
“It’s obviously fantastic to get a podium and to have two cars up there as well. We were fifth at Bathurst, fourth in race one yesterday and now third today, it’s good to keep moving forward how we have. I’ve been watching Shane’s (van Gisbergen) races all year and I will keep watching him – he’s up there in the championship fight, he’s just a little far away but hopefully he can push and get a bit higher up. To be driving with Shane has been fantastic, especially as he is the current champion and the teams champion. It’s been a massive opportunity for myself and I’ve really enjoyed it. We have the best team in pit lane and that obviously showed today.”
4:45pm And the silver lining we were talking about…
That’s the silver lining… #VASC #RedBullHolden pic.twitter.com/KCH86L7K5s
— Red Bull Holden (@redbullholden) October 22, 2017
4:34pm What a race! It was ours, and then it wasn’t… A double podium with J-Dub in P2 and SVG in P3. Well done boys!
4:27pm Two laps to go… J-Dub trying to close the margin but it just won’t budge!
3:46pm We pull out behind McLaughlin as he takes P1… This is going to be one hell of a fight to the finish!
3:44pm The second lot of pit stops complete.
3:12pm PD & Matty out, J-Dub and Shane in! A job well done by our co-drivers!
2:49pm The T8 fam are up the front and have pulled a 3-second gap to P4, we need to keep this up!
2:25pm Formation lap complete – PD and Matty are in the cars and ready to go!
2:15pm Our drivers are on the grid… 1-2-3 looks pretty good from here! We’ve got a long way to go though.
1:40pm Drivers parade around the streets of Surfers complete!
12:15pm Pole position!
Pole position! 🙌 #VASC #RedBullHolden pic.twitter.com/paglHGGwny
— Red Bull Holden (@redbullholden) October 22, 2017
12:08pm That’s a T8 shootout sweep! 1-2-3 as Shane takes pole, J-Dub P2 and Lowndesy P3… Bring on Race 2!
11:40am It’s Top Ten shootout time!
10:15am Teammate Lowndsey qualified 8th so all three Triple Eight cars will be in the shootout. Nice work team!
10:10am SVG takes provisional pole! JDub qualifies 6th so that mean’s we’ll be seeing both Bull’s in the shootout!
7:20am Pit stop practice complete… Time for brekky!
7:00am The sun’s out ladies and gentleman! It’s going to be a good day on the GC.
