The team had asked Broc Feeney to let teammate Will Brown through for fourth place during the final stint.
Brown, on newer tyres than Feeney, was sent to chase after Cam Waters for the final podium spot under the proviso he’d give the place back if unsuccessful.
Not only could the 2024 champion not overcome Waters, the late Safety Car called for Chaz Mostert’s engine failure left him to take the flag ahead of Feeney.
“A little bit awkward at the end there,” admitted Triple Eight MD Jamie Whincup on the broadcast post-race.
“We did a bit of a ‘shake and bake’ and let Will in front to try and get Cam Waters.
“We were supposed to give the position back [to Feeney], but then the Safety Car came out.
Secure your spot today.
“Broc’s on the limiter, which I’d expect. I understand as a driver.”
Feeney was asked about the scenario on the Cool Down Lap podcast, adding: “We’ll debrief it.
“Obviously unfortunate with the Safety Car. The plan was to swap us back.”
The saga compound a tough weekend for Triple Eight as the champion team failed to reach the podium in any of the three races.
Triple Eight now trails Grove Racing in the teams’ championship, while Grove spearhead Matt Payne is just 15 points behind Feeney in the drivers’.
De Pasquale wins finale, Waters takes out Darwin Triple Crown
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