Four years on and not much has changed when it comes to Jamie Whincup’s fortunes at the Eastern Creek circuit.

The revamped track might have a new name – Sydney Motorsport Park – and several new features since the V8 Supercars last raced there in 2008 but three-time champion Whincup is still waiting for a win at the western Sydney facility.

On Saturday, the Holden ace managed to tick one thing off his to-do list when he snared pole with a last-gasp fastest lap in qualifying but that was as good as it got.

A botched start meant all three of his championship rivals – teammate Craig Lowndes and Ford pair Mark Winterbottom and Will Davison – flew past going into turn one and, by the end of the first lap, Whincup was back in seventh position.

Some solid driving had him back up to fourth late in the race when, suddenly, his right rear tyre began to delaminate – pieces of rubber literally tearing away as he fought to keep the car on the track.

In the end, Whincup used all of his skill to bring his stricken car across the line in 23rd position but it wasn’t enough to retain his championship lead – Winterbottom’s second place enabling him to move 20 points clear.

“We’re all gonna have our turn,” Davison said after the race.

“Jamie’s had a shocker today. I’ve had a couple of shockers – we’ve all had a couple of shockers.

“It’s a funny game isn’t it that we’re playing?”

Whincup might not think it’s too funny but at least he has the chance to end his Eastern Creek misery on Sunday when the V8s return for a 220km race.