What was, in 2017
Last season was absolutely epic, with new tracks and a driver’s championship that went down to the last race with 5 drivers contending the title it was really down to the clincher. Jamie Whincup with 888 racing battled until the end and took the win which was by no means a forgone conclusion.
2017, was the year for Whincup, on the back of being named the most dominant Australian athlete of the decade by the Daily Telegraph. Now, the question on everyone’s lips is, ‘can he do it again’? New Holden’s, new drivers, same super human test of endurance and strength, what has 2018 got installed for us.
Remember the Top Races of 2017
Can you guess who came in at number 1?
• Top 1-5
• Top 6-10
Starting with Adelaide, there were 78 laps remaining and Red Bull threw a massive knockout blow, van Gisbergen taking out McLaughlin within 3 laps of the finish.
Moving onto Sydney was the race that defined Whincup taking top spot, challenging the almighty Craig Lowndes. Whincup pulled through for the win with a bit of help from his mate van Gisbergen.
At almighty Bathurst, both Whincup and McLaughlin suffered engine failure, finally giving the other boys an opportunity to grab a win. Strong positions were held through the race by Cameron Waters, Mostert, van Gisbergen, Garth Tander and Nick Percat but David Reynolds and Luke Youlden ultimately triumphed.
And, lastly, the very first Supercar race in sunny Newcastle, where the 5 title contenders came together, fighting to be named 2017 Supercars Champion. Entertaining us with yet another dramatic race to finish a killer season, team play van Gisbergen helped Whincup pull through in a dominating display, legendary Whincup taking his 7th title.
2018 – We’re excited!
To say we’re more excited about 2018 than stopping for a Beef and Curry Pie at the Birdsville Bakery after 3 days of driving, is an understatement! Hino Australia has been the official light and medium duty truck sponsor for the past 2 years and last week we announced a new business and sporting partnership with Preston Hire Racing Team 18 for the 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship season.
We’ll be riding along with Lee Holdsworth on his new look ZB Commodore bringing our fans exclusive content and behind the scenes action from Lee and newly appointed co-driver for the 3 Pirtek Enduro rounds, Matt Brabham We can’t wait.
Toyota 86 Series is back
Australia’s best-selling sports car, the Toyota 86 coupe, is back for 2018 and to be raced exclusively at selected V8 Supercars rounds.
As sign of our support for this series, Hino Australia is also the Official Truck Provider and will provide a Hino 700 Series SS 2848 ProShift 16 high roof air prime-mover, which will be used to help transport support equipment and selected cars to selected race rounds:
- WD-40 Phillip Island 500 – 20-22 April
- Watpac Townsville 400 – 6-8 July
- The Bend SuperSprint – 24-26 August
- Sandown 500 – 14-16 September
- Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 – 4-7 October
- Vodafone Gold Coast 600 – October 19-21 October
Want to watch the race in the Hino Sports Deck?
More and more people are attending Supercars events every year, 2017 attracted exactly 1,754,501 people to watch the race live last season. The Hino Sports Deck has prime viewing positioning at selected events and is the place to kick back and enjoy the race, plus relax from the crowds. Offering a range of TV channels to watch other sporting events, video games, air hockey table and competitions, it is considered the ultimate chill out area.
This season the Hino Sports Deck will be at the below Supercars events, pop in and meet the team:
- Adelaide 500 – 1-4 March
- Watpac Townsville 400 - 6-8 July
- Sandown 500 – 14-16 September
- Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 – 4-7 October
- Vodafone Gold Coast 600 – 19-21 October
- Coates Hire Newcastle 500 – 23-25 November
Additional race events this year
Some new additions - Supercars will race for points at the Australian Grand Prix for the first time in March, while the maiden visit to South Australia’s Tailem Bend in August is the other addition for 2018.
The event at Sydney Motorsport Park is back this year and under lights, which will add a huge level of excitement.
Adelaide celebrates its 20th year of racing this year too, were you there in 1999?
Drivers to watch out for
This season sees some new start-ups to the Supercars Championship series:
• Jack Le brocq joins Tekno Autosports replacing Will Davison
• Richie Stanaway joins Tickford Racing as a full-time driver
• Anton De Pasquale joins Erubus Racing
• Todd Hazelwood and Matt Stone Racing move up to the Supercars Championship (Todd & Matt Stone Racing were racing in the Dunlop Super2 Series)
• Will Davison joins 23 Red Racing
It’s going to be an exciting year to watch, let’s see who comes through the ranks to take the title 2018 Supercars Champion. Could Whincup do it again and make it his 8th consecutive title?
Follow Hino Australia’s social channels for major promotions and the latest news from key events at the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
