Team Betta Electrical has kicked off the V8 Supercar Championship season in near perfect style after securing a double podium finish from the opening race of the Clipsal 500 weekend.

Team leader Craig Lowndes powered his way through the order from seventh on the grid to secure the first win of 2006 in the #888 Falcon, taking the lead 32 laps into the 78 lap race and then surviving a number of safety car periods to take his place on the top step of the podium. Whincup meanwhile produced a superb debut performance as he took the final podium place in his first race for the team.

“After a lengthy off season with the cars being totally reviewed it is encouraging and certainly confidence building to race so competitively today,” Lowndes said. “This is a great result for the team and particularly for Jamie who is fitting in so well.

“Our starting strategy was to be cautious and take the race as it came for the first few laps and when it became obvious we had strong race pace, we were able to leap frog a few positions in our first pit stop. We were also able to capitalise on the first safety period where we re-fuelled and maintained the lead that we had.

“I will sleep easier tonight knowing that we are on the front row of the grid and I have my team mate right behind me.”

While Lowndes has enjoyed podium success in the past, the third place finish was the first ever sprint race podium finish for Whincup who was understandably thilled.

“I was so excited to have the opportunity to join Triple Eight and to achieve a podium in my first race is almost surreal,” he said. “The team have been absolutely fantastic in making me feel welcome and preparing me to race at the most competitive level.

“I will be going home to do some homework tonight, this category is very tough but I am lucky that I have a top engineer in Ludo Lacroix and a seat in the best team in the championship.”