Whincup jumped to the lead early with light rain falling in the first of three sprint races before Garth Tander hit the front on lap three. He was the first driver to stop for wets but a slow stop and an off put paid to his chances for the race and most likely the championship.

The Championship leaders Whincup and Winterbottom both pitted on lap 20 and Kelly three laps later, before forcing his way to the front and from there he weaved his way through lapped traffic late in the race to claim the victory.

Whincup and Winterbottom were second and third respectively, ahead of Will Davison and a brilliant fifth place from 19-year-old Shane Van Gibergen.

Craig Lowndes was fifth ahead of Jason bright, Steven Johnson, Fabian Coulthard and Lee Holdsworth rounding out the top 10.

There are two further races tomorrow [Sunday], with more wet weather predicted.