Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen has kicked off his 2022 Supercars title defence in ideal fashion, roaring to victory at Saturday's season-opening race at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Starting from second on the grid, the Red Bull Ampol Racing shot out of the starting blocks to quickly claim the lead over Anton de Pasquale in pole position.
Using his patented pit-lane strategy, van Gisbergen conceded the lead to make a third pit stop with 10 laps remaining, before returning - powered by his fresh set of tyres - to reclaim the lead and claim the checkered flag 19 seconds clear of his closest rival.
De Pasquale finished second, followed by Bathurst champion Chaz Mostert in third.
"That's a team win," van Gisbergen told Fox Sports.
"I had no idea what was happening in the middle of the race there, but [it was an] awesome job by the team and [we're] pretty lucky the weather held out.
"It's a great way to start. It's a long year ahead, though, so [the plan is] don't get ahead of ourselves and keep working."
Van Gisbergen's new teammate Broc Feeney impressed in his first outing since taking retired Jamie Whincup's seat, finishing 10th.
The Sydney SuperNight event concludes on Sunday with another 77-lap race.
