No points for opening race in Tasmania

A decision has been reached not to award Virgin Australia Supercars Championship points following a crash marred opening race at Symmons Plains.

Little over a lap of racing action had been completed before a 12-car pile-up triggered a red flag and a lengthy clean-up period.

The cars eventually restarted moments prior to the race reaching its time certain cut-off, taking the chequered flag under Safety Car.

While the procedure satisfied the requirements for it to be declared a race, CAMS and Supercars, after consultation with all teams, have elected not to award points.

“Confederation of Motorsport (CAMS) Race Stewards, in consultation with Supercars Australia, have decided Championship points from today’s crash-shortened race at Symmons Plains in Tasmania will not be awarded,” read a Supercars statement. 

“The 50-lap race ended under safety car with only one lap completed following the multi-car accident which happened on the second lap of the race. 

“While no Championship points will be awarded, Shane van Gisbergen’s victory will be recorded as a race win, and the race results stand. 

“CAMS Stewards determined: “In the exceptional circumstances existing in respect of Race 3 the Stewards, after consultation with Supercars, and in the exercise of their authority pursuant to Rule A10.1.4 have determined that no Championship Points, either Drivers or Teams, will be awarded for Race 3."

Speaking directly after the chequered flag, van Gisbergen said that he and his Triple Eight team-mates Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes, who finished second and third respectively, were not celebrating the result.

“We’re not here celebrating,” said van Gisbergen.

“First and foremost we’re glad everyone is ok and hoping that they can fix their cars.

“That’s the priority for me, I don’t really care that I won the race at the moment.”

Tune in on Fox Sports 506 from 10.00am AEST for an extended debrief of the incident.