Kiwi Scott McLaughlin could be crowned Supercars champion for the third successive year on Sunday after winning the opening race at The Bend in South Australia.
During Saturday's 31-lap race, McLaughlin held off a late surge from compatriot Shane van Gisbergen, to win by 0.6s.
"Shane was coming at me pretty hard there," says McLaughlin.
"I tried to leave a little bit in the bank when he was coming at me to charge on when he really got to me and try to get his tyres hot in the dirty air.
"That plan worked for me, the pitstop from the guys was fantastic, really proud of everyone at Shell V-Power Racing."
The win saw McLaughlin extend his lead in the championship to 263 points over Jamie Whincup, meaning he could secure his third Supercars title on Sunday if results go his way during the two scheduled 32-lap races.
Saturday's win saw McLaughlin draw level with Garth Tander in fourth on the all-time race wins list with 55 career victories.
