Kiwi Supercars driver Shane van Gisbergen, who was forced to start from pit lane, leads the field on his way to victory in the New Zealand Grand Prix at Hampton Downs yesterday. PHOTO: TAYLER BURKESupercars driver Shane van Gisbergen yesterday won the New Zealand Grand Prix at Hampton Downs, near Hamilton, but not without a major drama in pit lane before the race started. "Some numpty went to start the car and pushed the fire extinguisher button, so she was a bit of a panic," van Gisbergen told speedcafe.com. He set about picking off his 15 rivals one by one and with 10 laps to go took the lead. Four-time Bathurst winner and 1994 Grand Prix victor Greg Murphy was 10th and Ken Smith, the oldest competitor at 79, finished in 15th place.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 24, 2021 15:32 UTC