Shell V-Power Racing Team’s Will Davison has scored his third race win of the season at Pukekohe ahead of New Zealander Andre Heimgartner and polesitter Cameron Waters.
In a race where the pit stops mixed up the field considerably, Davison won the start and led throughout although a late race safety car threatened his position, but he was able to hold off hometown hero Heimgartner.
Right behind Davison off the start was teammate Anton De Pasquale demoting Waters to third immediately as behind there was chaos resulting in a couple of early problems. Running four-wide into Pukekohe’s Turn 1 generally leads to trouble and this race was no exception as the big loser was Blanchard Racing Team’s Tim Slade as he retired after contact with James Courtney.
Smoke poured from Courtney’s front after the contact, but continued to be 18th.
Heimgartner made a move early on Chaz Mostert through the back chicane, while championship leader Shane van Gisbergen made early position on Scott Pye to be sixth.
Early pit stops from Thomas Randle and Bryce Fullwood placed them among the leaders, but Davison held a 1.7s advantage back to his teammate.
Pit stops for the leaders came thick and fast, but De Pasquale’s stop was a disaster after overshooting his box, as he dropped back sixth at the flag after a thrilling duel with van Gisbergen.
Heimgartner was a winner as he pitted the same lap as Waters and emerged in front to take second after the Tickford Racing driver’s strategy allowed him to also climb position initially.
Davison pitted not long after to leave van Gisbergen in the lead running on his usual long stint, before entering the lane himself on lap 25 to change three tyres, which dropped him back behind Pye.
As the race entered its conclusion, a tangle between James Golding and Macauley Jones resulted in both entries off track in different areas, with the latter’s Brad Jones Racing Holden Commodore situated in a precarious position necessitating the safety car.
However, Davison held on to add another victory after winning in Perth and at Sandown ahead of Heimgartner in an emotional home podium, with Waters completing the top three.
A spirited charge from van Gisbergen including the fastest lap elevated him to fifth in the end behind Mostert, who ran a quiet race.
Broc Feeney, Nick Percat, David Reynolds and Scott Pye completed the top 10.
There was pit stop chaos for Tickford Racing as Jake Kostecki left his box with a loose left rear wheel, which departed his Tradie Ford Mustang in the lane, as behind Courtney was baulked by his exiting teammate resulting in him being hit by Brodie Kostecki.
Power steering problems also dropped Fullwood and Jack Le Brocq out of contention.
The championship lead has been cut to 453 between van Gisbergen and Waters, with two races to go tomorrow.
Qualifying for Races 28 and 29 kicks off at 10:45 AM (8:45 AM AEST) tomorrow.