Shane van Gisbergen was the second successive driver to claim a maiden Supercars title when he sealed the deal with one race to spare last season.
Following on from Prodrive’s Mark Winterbottom in 2015, van Gisbergen prevailed after a torrid fight with his fellow Red Bull driver and record six-times Championship winner Jamie Whincup.
Early betting markets see van Gisbergen and Whincup sharing favouritism at $3.10.
The quotes about the Red Bull pair do not represent a whole lot of value amid rival squads who are expected to lift their game markedly in 2017.
Entering its third season under majority ownership by the powerful Penske organisation, much is expected of DJR Team Penske.
While it will be a tall order to challenge Red Bull for the title, the Queensland-based team is making positive inroads.
Joining the squad for 2017 is Scott McLaughlin who, after four successful seasons with the Garry Rogers outfit, is rated a strong Championship contender alongside DJRTP incumbent and Kiwi compatriot Fabian Coulthard.
McLaughlin is on the second line of betting at $6.50 while Coulthard is next at $8.50. They are the only drivers outside the Red Bull pair under double figure quotes.
After a difficult season coming back from injury, Prodrive’s Chaz Mostert along with Winterbottom are rated next at $11 each.
Mostert had gathered a lot of momentum and was looking genuine Championship material before his horrifying qualifying crash at Bathurst in 2015.
Can McLaughlin, Coulthard or Mostert rise above the pack and make it three consecutive first-time Championship winners in 2017?
Will another new Supercars champion be crowned in 2017?
Have your say and make your vote count on this week’s poll.
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