16 May 2010

Courtney surges to top of V8 Supercar standings

5:25 pm on 16 May 2010

Ford driver James Courtney has taken the V8 Supercar championship lead after winning Sunday's race at Winton while defending champion Jamie Whincup crashed out.

Courtney beat home Holden's Craig Lowndes to open up a 114-point series lead over Whincup.

But there was despair for the two-time defending series champion, who was punted off the track in an incident with Ford driver Jonathon Webb on lap 45.

Shane van Gisbergen finished the best placed New Zealander in 12th position, with Jason Richards one place behind.