Jamie Whincup has dismissed any notion that the presence of Marcos Ambrose at the season-ending Sydney 500 will take the gloss off his leap into the record books.
While Whincup could confirm a record-breaking sixth championship at the penultimate event at Phillip Island, official celebrations of his colossal achievement will be reserved for the Sydney Olympic Park venue from December 5-7.
As previously announced, Ambrose will resume the second phase of his V8 Supercars career earlier than expected at the Sydney street race ahead of his official first season with the new DJR Penske alliance.
As Whincup nears confirmation of becoming the driver decorated with the most championships, he has no qualms about Ambrose's company in Sydney.
“I don't know about that,” Whincup told Speedcafe in response to Ambrose possibly stealing his thunder.
“I think it's great that Ambrose is racing. From his perspective, performance wise it's a big advantage getting a round under your belt before you head into the championship.
“It's fantastic that there may be less eyes on me. The less eyes on me the better.
“Marcos being in the event is going to make the feeling no different if it does happen (six championships). That's all that matters to me.
“PR wise its probably (Ambrose's Sydney start) going to take the shine off the big grand entrance (for Ambrose) at the Clipsal which is probably a good thing.”
Whincup was yet to make his mark when Ambrose decided to leave the relative security of V8s and try his hand at NASCAR at the end of 2005.
Picked up by Triple Eight in 2006, Whincup managed to pocket his first major victory at the Clipsal 500, the first meeting the category saw Ambrose absent since the Tasmanian's cracking debut in 2001.
“I'd like to think that I've got a bit more experience now and I'm looking forward to competing against him,” he said.
“I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes.”
Whincup expects former Stone Brothers recruit Ambrose to instantly overcome the nuances of driving a V8 Supercar.
“He will be quick out of the box,” he said.
“The car will be fast. He's driven these cars before and while they are slightly different they are still the same old beast.
“He should just pick up where he left off many years ago.”
Four drivers are equal with the most Australian Touring Car/V8 Supercars championships
2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
|
1992, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2002 |
|
1981, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1989 |
|
Ian Geoghegan |
1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 |