The Supercars roadshow is headed for Darwin and Holden’s guru Jamie Whincup is ready to go

The Holden Commodore era under Jamie Whincup’s steerage is coming to end as the Supercars aim for Darwin

Jamie Whincup in a familiar pose at Mt Panorama behind the wheel of his Team Holden Commodore ZB. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images.

JAMIE Whincup wants to make the Darwin round of this year’s Supercars series part of a long farewell to the sport he has served for 20 years.

The seven-time Supercars champion reaches the chequered flag in his driving career at the end of the 2021 season.

Whincup will transition into team management, taking over from Roland Dane as team principal and managing director of the powerful Triple Eight Race Engineering organisation.

This year’s round marks the 18th time Whincup has made the trek north, most of them under the red Holden colours.

“It will be the last time I come to Darwin as a full-time driver, a track where I’ve done a few races and driven a few different cars around Hidden Valley,’’ he said.

“I’ve always enjoyed the Darwin round as all the drivers have and got some race wins at the same time, so it’s been great.

“I’m happy with a 20 per cent wining record (23) where I’ve had some really good people around me and some really good teams in the Supercars.’’

Whincup joins a long list of drivers in the June 18-20 round looking up to runaway early leader Shane van Gisbergen.

He trails Red Bull teammate Gisbergen by 190 points after 11 races, with three more to be decided in Darwin.

“Shane’s got a very healthy lead, but I’m happy to be the best of the rest at the moment,’’ Whincup said.

“There’s a long way to go and a lot of water to run under the bridge between now and the end of the season.

“We’ll continue to work together as a team to make sure both cars are quick, but at the same time, if I can get a few more points in the coming races, that is the plan.’’

Whincup was quick to praise his ZB Commodore that has him poised for a run at his eighth national title.

“My car’s good, it’s brand new this year and I’ve got no complaints,’’ he said.

“What will be interesting is racing on super soft tyres for the first time.

“That will throw it up a bit, with a heap of work happening in the pits to try and get it right for racing.’’

Fans wanting to pre-purchase tickets can got to www.darwinsupercars.com.au for information.