Van Gisbergen sets new record
Shane van Gisbergen has set a new record for the most wins in a single season after a memorable victory in the final Bathurst 1000 for Holden.
The Kiwi, who appears on course to retain the drivers’ championship this year, has had 19 victories from 30 starts this year – and he may extend the record further with four more races in the campaign left to go.
It breaks the previous best set by his compatriot Scott McLaughlin, who won 18 races in 2019. Before that, Craig Lowndes held the record with 16 wins in the 1996 campaign.
Van Gisbergen’s winning effort with co-driver Garth Tander at Mount Panorama on October 9, a repeat of their accomplishment in 2020, was also significant in other ways.
It was Holden’s 36th and final Great Race victory with the brand departing Supercars after this season. The Chevrolet Camaro will replace the Commodore when the Gen3 era commences in 2023.
Another notable achievement for van Gisbergen is that he has recorded victories at 10 of 11 rounds this season, only missing out on a top podium spot at Darwin in June.
Van Gisbergen says his latest win is special because it is Holden’s last appearance at the Bathurst 1000.
“It still hasn’t sunk in, it’s pretty fresh, but it was an epic day, it’s another farewell to Holden, but to also have the fans here and share it with them,” he adds.
“This week I learnt a lot about how much the brand means to people, to represent them like we do and the privilege to add to the tally of Holden wins. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s pretty cool.”
The Red Bull Ampol Racing driver has four more races in 2022 to improve his records, with rounds at Gold Coast on October 28-30 and Adelaide from December 1-4.
Van Gisbergen only needs 33 points over title rival Cameron Waters in the first race at Gold Coast to seal a third championship.
“It would have been nice to have wrapped up the championship today but we can look forward to Gold Coast and hopefully celebrate there,” says van Gisbergen.
Drivers’ championship
1. Shane van Gisbergen, 3,082 points
2. Cameron Waters, 2,515pts
3. Anton de Pasquale, 2,305pts
4. Chaz Mostert, 2,280pts
5. Will Davison, 2,180pts
