V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup says he will compete in this weekend’s season-opening Clipsal 500 meeting despite mourning the death of his father.

Whincup’s father David died on Sunday after a short battle with lymphoma cancer but the Holden star still plans to begin his title defence on the streets of Adelaide.

“Last week was without a doubt the toughest week of my life,” Whincup said.

“Dad rode the motorsport wave with me every step of the way, which I plan to still be the case right into the future.

“It has been an incredibly hard week for my family and I and I thank everyone for their support so far. Dad will never be forgotten.

“He will be my inspiration as I concentrate on the start of my title defence at Clipsal this weekend.”

Whincup has won the Clipsal 500 four times, including three of the past four years.

The event begins on Saturday with a 250km race and concludes with another 250km race on Sunday.