Whincup relieved to reach milestone

It was a mix of pride and relief for Jamie Whincup after chalking up his 100th Supercars Championship race win at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Whincup’s ton came five races after recording his 99th victory at Townsville in July and followed three narrow second place finishes.

He is just the second driver to reach the marker after team-mate Craig Lowndes, who chalked up his 100th in Darwin last June.

It adds further to Whincup’s stunning record that includes an all-time high tally of six titles as well as four Bathurst 1000 victories.

“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a little bit of relief there,” said Whincup after converting third on the grid into a win in Race 19.

“I haven’t been thinking about it but I’ve been reminded quite a bit over the last few months that it is a possibility.

“Three tough seconds (placings), and to finally get there, I’m very, very proud.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this sport for so many years and to join Lowndesy on the ton.

“He’s a good mate and a good team-mate. We’ve been working together for well over ten years now.

“I think today was very, very fitting, it’s exactly what it’s been about.

“My car was very ordinary in the first stint and the team just dragged me up like they always do.

“They tuned the car up and then did an amazing pitstop in that last one to get me out in the lead.

“Once we hit the lead the car was great.”

Although quickly nominating the Saturday race at the 2012 Clipsal 500 as his best win, Whincup was typically wary of being overly reflective on his career while it is still unfolding.

“It sort of makes you feel a bit old to be honest,” he added of reaching the milestone.

“I’ve been around a while, I’m not the new kid on the block any more but I’d like to think it’s a hundred ‘not out’ in that there’s still plenty left in me.”

Finishing second after losing out to Whincup in the final round of pitstops, Lowndes paid tribute to his team-mate’s dedication to success.

While Lowndes kicked off his win tally during his rookie season in 1996, Whincup’s wins have all come since joining Triple Eight in 2006.

“It wasn’t a matter of if he could do it, it was a matter of when,” he said of Whincup joining him in the 100s.

“I think that he’s had a stellar career and an amazing run since he’s been with Triple Eight.

“I think that there’s no doubt that he’s had great support around him and he’s maintained his focus around his championships.

“It’s quite easy to get a couple of championships and then sort of stray off into the wilderness but Jamie hasn’t done that.

“There’s no doubt he’s maintained his focus. He’s still as intense as he’s ever been on the data.

“He pushes Cauchi to the nth degree, which you’ve obviously got to do.

“I think Jamie has been quoted saying that I was the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), but he’s not far off it.”

Jamie Whincup’s Supercars career in numbers

Races: 398

Wins: 100 (Second best in Australian Touring Car history)

Pole Positions: 69 (Australian Touring Car Record)

Podiums: 190 (Australian Touring Car Record)

Titles: 6 (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 –  Australian Touring Car Record)

Win Percentage: 25%

Bathurst 1000 Wins: 4 (2006,2007,2008 2012)

All-time ATCC/Supercars Race Winners (top five)

Craig Lowndes (105)

Jamie Whincup (100)

Mark Skaife (90)

Garth Tander (53)

Peter Brock (48)

Jamie Whincup’s 100 Supercars Race Wins