Mark Winterbottom overtakes Craig Lowndes for V8 series lead

MARK Winterbottom does not like to beat around the bush: he’s V8 Supercars’ new championship leader and he’s proud of it.

MARK Winterbottom does not like to beat around the bush: he’s V8 Supercars’ new championship leader and he’s proud of it.

The Ford driver has overtaken Craig Lowndes on top of the standings after bagging a win and second-place finish in today’s two sprint races at Auckland’s Pukekohe circuit.

He now holds a narrow two-point advantage over the Holden veteran, who only 24 hours earlier had a comfortable 48-point buffer, with a longer 200-kilometre race still to run today.

“I’m rapt to get the championship lead,” Winterbottom said.

“Everyone always says `oh, I don’t want to lead now’. You want to lead all the way.

“Everyone bullshits about their position … But I’m rapt to lead; they’ve got to chase (me now).

“I’m feeling good and we need to keep this momentum going.

“I want to lead from here on – that’s the plan.”

Winterbottom’s victory in the day’s opening race was his second of the year, following his last-round triumph in Winton.

It marks an impressive comeback for the Ford Performance Racing star, who spent the start of season languishing behind fierce rivals Lowndes and Jamie Whincup.

“It’s really nice to fight back with two solid rounds,” said Winterbottom, yet to win a V8s title in his decade competing.

“For all those people that were doubting you a little bit, now you’re in the lead they’re all on board.

“So we’ll try and maintain it.”

Lowndes finished a lowly 16th and 10th in the day’s two 35-lap races – a far cry from his third placing in the weekend’s opening sprint yesterday.

His once-dominant teammate Whincup – hunting a record sixth crown – was also off the pace, crossing the line fourth in both battles to retain his overall position in fifth.

“It’s good to put them under pressure. They’ve got to now work,” Winterbottom said.

“Two years ago they still would’ve finished third or fourth. But now, the depth of the field’s huge, so (on) your bad day you look really bad.

“I don’t think they’re that far off … I’m sure their track will come.”

Meanwhile, local heroes Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin gave their home fans plenty to cheer about, with van Gisbergen claiming race-two honours ahead of McLaughlin in third.

McLaughlin was hoping for a win after securing pole position for the race, but couldn’t hold on to the lead following a series of enthralling on-track duels.

Van Gisbergen is enjoying the comforts of home this weekend, staying at his parents’ house just 25 minutes from the track.

He is in prime position to take out the Jason Richards Memorial trophy, awarded to the driver with most points over the weekend in honour of the late Kiwi racer.