20/07/2008 5:52 PM
Ford Performance Racing driver Mark Winterbottom has extended his V8 Supercar championship lead after winning both races on Sunday afternoon at the Queensland Raceway.
Winterbottom's two race victories on Sunday and a second place in the first race on Saturday was enough to secure the overall round victory from Russell Ingall and James Courtney.
The Ford driver was flawless in the second race of the Ipswich 400, after avoiding a six-car pile up, Winterbottom powered away to finish just over two seconds clear of Ingall.
Jamie Whincup raced impressively to finish third, with Garth Tander and WIll Davison rounding out the top five.
Winterbottom produced an even better performance in the final race to win easily from Courtney and Ingall.
After grabbing the lead on the first corner, Winterbottom was never headed on his way to a five second victory.
"We've got the points ticking away but we'll still be going for race wins. I've got a bit of confidence now," Winterbottom said.
"In 2006 (Jason) Bright had the pace on me and in 2007 I had the raw pace but I made a few stupid mistakes. Now I've got the perfect combination and we're leading the championship."
"We've got a strong car, a strong team; it's all gelling and I feel like this is my time."
"I don't feel the pressure too bad because I've been doing competitive sport since I was five years old. Everything I do is competitive; I thrive it and the pressure. It's great to be leading; it's a privilege and I'm enjoying it."
Davison continued his fine weekend with another fifth place, while Tander again finished fourth.
Winterbottom now holds a 122-point championship lead over Tander, while Whincup looks to be out of the running a further 86 points back in third.
Ipswich 400 race two results:
1 Mark Winterbottom 50:13.904
2 Russell Ingall 50:16.129
3 Jamie Whincup 50:21.844
4 Garth Tander 50:26.292
5 Will Davison 50:28.147
6 James Courtney 50:29.239
7 Steven Richards 50:30.537
8 Fabian Coulthard 50:34.384
9 Cameron McConville 50:37.364
10 Mark Skaife 50:42.656
Ipswich 400 race three results:
1 Mark Winterbottom 46:35.831
2 James Courtney 46:41.348
3 Russell Ingall 46:45.612
4 Garth Tander 46:48.414
5 Will Davison 46:48.651
6 Jamie Whincup 46:49.117
7 Craig Lowndes 46:54.673
8 Fabian Coulthard 46:55.903
9 Mark Skaife 46:58.989
10 Lee Holdsworth 46:59.443