Kiwi Supercars driver Fabian Coulthard is feeling 'pretty special' after a third place finish at the famous Bathurst 1000 on Sunday.
It has taken 14 attempts and a number of DNF's, but this was the first time the 35-year-old had grabbed a podium spot at the great a race, and it is a moment he won't forget in a hurry.
"It is pretty special," Coulthard told Newshub. "Growing up as a kid watching Bathurst on TV and then to stand up there and see all your crew below you and all the fans is like a sea of people.
"I've done lots of racing overseas and now racing here in Australia to finally stand on the podium, you like to think that yes, one day it's possible - you don't necessarily believe it but we have made a dream come true."
Coulthard's teammate and fellow Kiwi Scott McLaughlin failed to complete the race due to mechanical issues after just 74 laps.
It was a disappointing end for McLaughlin, who started from pole after becoming the first driver to crack 2min:04sec during the top 10-shootout on the notorious street circuit .
That added to the misery of last year, where McLaughlin was leading with 10 laps to go before a crash dashed his hopes of winning. He eventually crossed the line in 15th.
"At the end of the day, when the team wins, we win," explained Coulthard.
"Scotty [McLaughlin] has had some good success this year and we have had some good success too, so I've been there to support him on the podium and here was there to support me.
"We have a great rivalry on the track, we work well off the track and I think you can see that in the results.
"I haven't had a chance to speak to Scotty. I feel sorry for the guy - they had a speedy car yesterday and broke the lap record.
Scott's day was yesterday, I feel sorry he wouldn't get a result today because it would have been great to have two Shell cars on the podium."
But failing to finish the race did not benefit McLaughlin as he slipped to third in the drivers' championship standings with three rounds of racing to go.
It did benefit Coulthard who holds a 91-point lead over Holden driver Jamie Whincup.
"If you'd sat me down before Bathurst and said I'd be the championship leader after Bathurst I would have grabbed it with both hands," said Coulthard.
The next round of the Supercars is on the Gold Coast on October 21-22. The round will feature two 102 lap, 300km races.
Newshub.
