Passing was always going to be difficult on a track that was drying, but still wet off line, and the top five remained in their positions for the remainder of the race. After stumbling last year, Murphy proved that he is still the master of Pukekohe, under any conditions, by completing the sweep of all three races. He had an added incentive for this race, though: his hotel manager had promised that if he won, he would have the $3200-per-night penthouse suite for the night.
While Jason Bright spoiled Murphy's perfect record last year, he was rapt to take his fourth win in what is probably Pukekohe's last V8 Supercar race. SBR can also be happy with Ingall's second place, while Ambrose keeps the championship lead with a third place finish overall.
Ambrose left Pukekohe to head straight for America, where he will get his first taste of oval racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Brad Jones, Dumbrell and Baird, meanwhile, will take home nothing but bruises, and a massive repair job ahead of the Barbagallo race in three weeks time.
Top ten - race three
1.
Greg Murphy Super Cheap Auto Racing
2.
Russell Ingall Caltex Racing
3.
Steven Richards Team Perkins Racing
4.
Marcos Ambrose Pirtek Racing
5.
Mark Skaife Holden Racing Team
6.
Paul Radisich Team Kiwi Racing
7.
Jason Bright Ford Performance Racing
8.
John Bowe Team BOC
9.
Garth Tander HSV Dealer Team
10.
Paul Weel Super Cheap Auto Racing
