GUIDE TO THE SANDOWN 500
The traditional lead-in race to the Bathurst 1000 takes place on Sunday at Sandown Raceway in Melbourne. While the Sandown 500 gets a fraction of Bathurst’s attention, it has the same amount of points on the line and the title-chasers know it.
A switch to soft tyres in 2016 and a forecast for heavy rain means the 3.1km circuit is likely to host more drama than usual.
KEY PAIRINGS
Car No.88 – Jamie Whincup and Paul Durmbrell (Holden)
The six-time Supercars champion is again pairing with the highly-talented Dumbrell. The duo have two Sandown victories together – in 2013 and 2014 – and a series-leading Commodore.
Car No.55 – Chaz Mostert and Steve Owen (Ford)
In-form Mostert, the series’ best qualifier, partners with last year’s Sandown winner Owen, who shifts across from Mark Winterbottom’s Falcon.
Car No.888 – Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards (Holden)
The two old-timers have 10 Bathurst wins between them and like to talk tactics over a pot of tea. On the track though, they’ll be a force.
Car no.2 – Garth Tander and Warren Luff (Holden)
Last year’s Enduro Cup winning team link up again in the Holden Racing Team Commodore with ambitions to go back-to-back.
Car No.15 – Rick Kelly and Russell Ingall (Nissan)
Nissan’s best hope for a first Sandown 500 success in 25 years rests with popular veteran Russell Ingall.
Car No. 97 – Shane van Gisbergen and Alexandre Premat (Holden)
Whincup’s closest title rival has coaxed Frenchman Premat back to Supercars to bolster his Enduro Cup chances.
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Jamie Whincup (Holden) – 2109.
2. Shane van Gisbergen (Holden) – 1972
3. Craig Lowndes (Holden) – 1911
4. Mark Winterbottom (Ford) – 1836
5. Scott McLaughlin (Volvo) – 1749