Photo: V8 Supercars

Jamie Whincup claims light-to-flag victory in New Zealand

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Jamie Whincup claimed a lights-to-flag victory in the first V8 Supercars race of the weekend at Pukekohe in New Zealand.

The reigning champion won the race four seconds ahead of Tekno Autosports driver Shane Van Gisbergen, with David Reynolds coming home in third for Ford.

Reynolds held second place in the first part of the race but was passed by Van Gisbergen after a safety car restart caused by debris on track.

Craig Lowndes claimed fourth position for Triple Eight Race Engineering, a position he was awarded after the race. Scott Pye crossed the line in fourth but was moved down a place as he ignored an instruction from race control to let Lowndes past as the DJR Team Penske driver had straightened the chicane in turn five.

Michel Caruso finished sixth for Nissan Motorsport with championship leader Mark Winterbottom only managing seventh position ahead of Holden Racing Team’s James Courtney in eighth.