Seventh title for Jamie Whincup, penalties ruined McLaughlin's race

What a drama it was! The finale of the 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship is the one which definitely deserves a place among the most dramatic and most controversial in a history.

Red Bull Holden’s Jamie Whincup wins the last race of the season at Newcastle Street Circuit and captured his 7th championship title after his rival Scott McLaughlin (DJR Team Penske/V-Shell Power Racing) received a post-race pit lane penalty because of penultimate lap clash with Craig Lowndes.

Without this penalty, McLaughlin would finish in 11th place what would be enough for him to take his maiden V8 Supercars title. But, the driver of the #17 Ford Falcon ended his race like he started it – with a penalty.

Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen at Newcastle

Jamie Whincup wins the race ahead of teammate Shane van Gisbergen

McLaughlin had pole position, the 17th this season, and took the lead at the start of the race. He was penalized for the first time after breaking the speed limit in the pit lane. Another penalty came in the mid-race when he clashed with Simona de Silvestro. Two penalties put him down in the field and but he did a great job and fought back to P12.

And then, on lap 94 (of 95), he passed Craig Lowndes for P11. Lowndes attacked back and McLaughlin pushed him into a wall, causing severe damage to Holden’s suspension.