Cam Waters clinched victory at Reid Park by a 0.200‑second margin, edging Brodie Kostecki in the opening 35‑lap Supercars race in Townsville.
Race Dynamics
Waters and Kostecki began the final tour neck‑and‑neck, but Kostecki, who had started from pole for the fifth time this season, lost positions at the start as Waters, Matt Payne (Grove Racing) and the two Ford Mustangs passed him. Waters fell back briefly but regained his pace, settling second behind Kostecki before the first pit‑stop cycle.
On lap 18, Waters entered the pits while Kostecki stayed out for another six laps, extending Waters’ advantage. The decision came after Kostecki watched Waters pit, stating it was “a call from me.” As a result, Payne inherited second place when Kostecki re‑joined the race.
Strategic Calls
Waters said he “knew he was behind me and was just managing that lap” before the final showdown, noting the brevity of the race as a personal triumph. Kostecki’s strategy to delay pitting was a clear gamble, but the long stint ultimately cost him the podium finish.
Matt Payne acknowledged early vibration issues, praising the management of the car’s performance but admitted a lack of extra speed prevented a stronger challenge for the finish.
Podium and Field
Third place went to Payne (Grove Racing), followed by Kai Allen (Grove) in fourth and Chaz Mostert (Walkinshaw TWG) fifth. Tickford’s Thomas Randle secured sixth, notable after a technical glitch halted half his practice session. Triple Eight’s Will Brown claimed seventh after a late pit‑stop wheel issue. The remaining field featured Toyota GR Supras and Chevrolet Camaros, with the newly introduced yellow‑livery DJR Mustang impressing on the opening lap.
Championship Implications
The finish reshuffled the standings: Kostecki lost the 15‑point lead he entered the weekend with to Payne, while Grove Racing retained the teams’ points advantage. The outcome will influence the strategy for the two 200‑km races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, completing Supercars’ mid‑winter northern swing.
Key Quotes
Waters: “I was a little shocked to get P1…I was glad there was not one more lap.”
Kostecki: “I thought [Cam had] pitted… I did not want to pit behind Cam.”
Payne: “We need a little bit more speed. I was really hoping he had a lap or two more to pressure Waters.”
Photo by: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images
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