Shane van Gisbergen has issued a response to losing his Race 30 victory at the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 by labelling the post-race penalty as ‘shit’.
Stripped of the victory, the penalty has seen van Gisbergen drop to fifth in the results leaving the Red Bull Holden Racing Team driver 53 points adrift of title rival Scott McLaughlin (Shell V-Power Racing).
It means if van Gisbergen wins today’s race McLaughlin can seal the title by finishing sixth.
After qualifying second in Armor All Qualifying behind McLaughlin, van Gisbergen responded to the stewards ruling.
“(The title battle) would be good but the bloody series took it away from us. That’s shit,” van Gisbergen told Fox Sports when asked about his qualifying effort.
“Anyway, looking forward to a good race and hopefully we can put on a good show and battle like we’re all for the win. I don’t need to say anything.”
Facing a difficult situation, which would likely require McLaughlin to hit trouble in this afternoon’s 250km race to secure his second title, van Gisbergen says he doesn’t wish any misfortune on his rival.
“It’s shit to see or pray that someone has misfortune,” he added.
“You don’t cheer someone’s misfortune or hope for it. I’m not someone who does that.”
Triple Eight declined to make a comment following the penalty when approached by Speedcafe.com.
Van Gisbergen will be back in action in the Armor All Top 10 Shootout scheduled for 1250 AEDT.
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