Supercars star Feeney crowned king of Townsville

Perth Now

7 days ago

Runaway Supercars leader Broc Feeney has overcome self doubt and a late challenge from teammate Will Brown to post back-to-back victories at the Townsville 500.
Brodie Kostecki, the 2023 champion, came up trumps in Friday's 35-lap sprint to win for Shell V-Power Racing, but the weekend well and truly belonged to Feeney.
Feeney finished more than six seconds ahead of Walkinshaw Andretti United's Chaz Mostert on Saturday, and made the most of his pole position on Sunday to beat Triple Eight teammate Brown by more than three seconds.
Brown was right on Feeney's tail with less than 10 laps remaining, but Feeney held his nerve and edged further ahead to wrap up the 70-lap race at Reid Park.
Penrite Racing star Matt Payne started Sunday's event second on the grid, but slipped to third early before finishing fifth.
Mostert came third, more than 12 seconds behind Feeney, with Cameron Waters fourth.
Feeney celebrated his 10th race win of the season with a big burnout before hugging his family members in attendance.
"Huge credit to Will. That was the hardest race I've had in a long time," Feeney said.
"He was definitely the faster guy today and put a lot of pressure on me.
"He had so much pace on me in that last stint. There was a lot of that last stint where I didn't think I was going to be able to hang on.
"I was asking all the questions about where I need to improve.
"But once he got close, within about half a second, he dropped off. I'm guessing his car probably overheated from being behind."
The 120 points Feeney received for Sunday's win boosted his season tally to a dominant 1759 points.
Brown is 220 points behind in second spot, with Matthew Payne a further 15 points away in third.
Feeney became just the ninth driver to claim 10 or more wins in a season, after Shane van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin, Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, Mark Skaife, Garth Tander, Marcos Ambrose and Glenn Seton.
"This means a lot. This is a huge win for us. It's an awesome roll we've been on," Feeney said.
"I can't be prouder of everyone at Red Bull Empire racing."
Brown ensured a one-two finish for Triple Eight.
"It was a tough one. I was tyring to get on the back of Broc," he said.
"I didn't have anything for him at the end there, which was disappointing.
"But it was good to be back on the podium. I've had a tough few rounds, that's for sure."
Cameron Hill finished last following brake problems, while Dave Reynolds came 21st after being handed a 15-second penalty for spinning James Courtney.
A loose right wheel forced Will Davison back into the pits in a costly malfunction, with the veteran finishing second last in 23rd spot as a result.