Cam Waters has secured his first Supercars victory of the season, triumphing in the opening race of the Darwin Triple Crown at Hidden Valley Raceway on Friday. The Tickford Racing driver started from fourth on the grid and navigated unusually cool and overcast conditions to win the 35-lap, 100-kilometer sprint by 0.448 seconds.
Ending a long drought
The win marked a significant milestone for Waters, who had not tasted victory since February 2025. The 31-year-old expertly managed his race, quickly moving into contention with pole-sitter Brodie Kostecki before executing a perfectly timed pit stop on lap 20.
A crucial moment came on lap 23 when Kostecki left the inside lane open, allowing Waters to slip through and take the lead. Despite a late safety car that threatened to disrupt his rhythm, Waters held firm to claim the chequered flag.
Podium finishers and key battles
Young gun Kai Allen finished second for Grove Racing, while his teammate Matt Payne completed the podium in third place. Kostecki, who battled illness and technical issues during practice, looked set for second but was overtaken by both Grove drivers in the final three laps, dropping to fourth.
Supercars championship leader Broc Feeney endured a difficult day, finishing 13th in qualifying and 14th in the race, ending his five-race winning streak in Darwin. The Triple Eight Race Engineering driver complained of feeling slow and veered off course on the first turn of lap 20, dashing his hopes of a comeback.
Last year's champion Chaz Mostert started 11th but could only manage seventh place.
Race 17 results
- 1. Cam Waters (Tickford Racing)
- 2. Kai Allen (Grove Racing)
- 3. Matt Payne (Grove Racing)
- 4. Brodie Kostecki (Dick Johnson Racing)
- 5. Will Brown (Triple Eight Race Engineering)
