Supercars 2019: Shane Van Gisbergen dominates race one at Pukekohe

Shane Van Gisbergen won for the third time in 2019.
Shane Van Gisbergen won for the third time in 2019. Photo credit: Photosport

Shane Van Gisbergen has proven to be the Saturday king of Pukekohe winning race one of the Auckland SuperSprint for the second straight year.

The 2016 supercars series champion dominating the 70-lap affair, heading home teammate Jamie Whincup and Ford's Cam Waters.

Whincup's podium spot is under threat however, with stewards to decide later on Saturday night is he was at fault for a lap one incident with Nick Percat.

Van Gisbergen, who earlier won a razor-close race for pole in qualifying, made the most of solid start to lead until he made his first stop under a full race caution.

A caution that Whincup made the most of, jumping several cars after short-fueling at his stop.

The multi-time series champion qualified a distant 12th but showed serious car speed, breaking the lap record in the process.

It was a damage control day for championship leader Scott McLaughlin - the DJR-Team Penske driver started sixth and had a fairly uneventful race coming home fifth although he may be elevated a spot should Whincup be penalised.

Fabian Coulthard was seventh, Andre Heimgartner eighth and Richie Stanaway tenth competing a remarkable day for the Kiwi contingent.

The result was just the second time in two seasons that Stanaway has finished inside the top 10.

Ford's Chaz Mostert had a day to forget, dropping from second to fourth in the championship standings after he collided with teammate Waters midway through the race.

Mostert finished 24th, meaning three Kiwi drivers now head the standings.

McLaughlin leads by over 500 points from Van Gisbergen and Coulthard.

Newshub.