HE says he is proud just to have been in contention to win the Bathurst 1000 the last four years, but there’s no doubt Jamie Whincup wants to return to the podium come Sunday afternoon.
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There’s also no doubt the Red Bull Racing star will be aiming for the top step of that podium.
While Whincup has the sort of Bathurst 1000 record others crave – four wins and another three runner-up finishes – he could have a lot more to boast as well.
Since placing second in 2013 with co-driver Paul Dumbrell, the pair have had to endure a whole lot of Great Race heartbreak.
Running out of fuel on the final lap, a drive through penalty, a time penalty after crossing the line first and last year’s engine drama – they have gone from contenders to also-rans.
Whincup admits it has hurt, but is also proud to have been in a position to challenge.
“Last year I must say was disappointing for us. We’ve been in contention in the race for 10 years or so,” he said.
“Not that we are trying to make up for anything this year, but we’ve really focused on what didn’t go right last year and hopefully we fix that so it’s not an issue.
“I’m so grateful to be able to have been in contention for so many years running. Yes it hasn’t gone my way more often that it has gone my way, but the great thing is we have been in contention, we’ve been there with a chance to win the biggest race of the year.
“That satisfies me more than the wins that could have happened.”
This year Whincup and Dumbrell will line up for their seventh Bathurst 1000 together and after a convincing victory in the Sandown 500 enduro last month, start as favourites.
But the good form extends beyond Sandown. Whincup sits third in the championship thanks to a total of 12 podium finishes so far this season.
Dumbrell leads the Dunlop Super2 Series and has only placed outside the top two twice.
With the talent of that pair clearly evident and the team providing them with a Holden Commodore ZB that is setting the standard, car #1 will certainly be one to watch at the Mount.
Whincup just hopes people will be watching a success story this time around.
“Every year there’s 20 or so people that aren’t in the news because they weren’t in contention, I’d much rather throw it all on the line and have it not quite go my way than just blend in with the pack and not put in a good show,” he said.
“It’s a big deal for us, one thing we can guarantee is that we’ll give it absolutely everything we’ve got and put in our best effort.”
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