SBR sixth at Bathurst, Ambrose maintains lead.

Stone Brothers Racing has maintained the lead in the V8 Supercar Championship Series after finishing sixth in the Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 at Bathurst's Mt Panorama today.

Marcos Ambrose leads the title chase after scoring 162 points today and his team-mate in the Pirtek-Caltex Havoline Falcon, Russell Ingall, jumped to third.

SBR was having success with its strategy, which included an early pit stop, but fell foul to a couple of cut tyres thought to be caused by some debris on the track.

The damage forced a couple of unscheduled pit stops and virtually ended any chance of a race victory.

The race was eventually won by Greg Murphy and Rick Kelly from Craig Lowndes/Glenn Seton and Steve Ellery/Luke Youlden.

"It was a tough day at the office," said Ambrose. "The strategy we had seemed to be working well, but we had those cut tyres and that was that.

"To finish sixth considering the problems we had is pleasing, but it is a tough deal not to be in it at the end. We had worked on getting the car right all week and things were falling into place for us, but then it all started to fall apart.

"I want to win this race, but I guess we will have to wait until next year to have another crack. We just need to put of heads down in the next few rounds and concentrate on getting our hands on that championship trophy."

Ingall, who has won at Bathurst twice before, was obviously disappointed not claim another title, but happy enough to jump into third place in the championship.

"It is never a good feeling when you come here and don't go home with the winner's trophy," said Ingall. "We were looking in reasonable shape at one stage with the strategy we had, but this place does that to you.

"Sure I picked up a few points, but I'd swap them for a win."

Mark Winterbottom and Mark Noske did an outstanding job in the #9 Caltex Havoline-Pirtek Falcon, but their run came to an end on lap 102 because an overheating problem.

The car ran as high as third and was in that position when the drama struck.

"I was pretty nervous at the start, but once I got over those I got into a bit of a groove," said Winterbottom. "It was an awesome event to be a part of and hopefully there are plenty more to come.

"Our car was pretty good and I think we were heading for a solid result."

Noske, who runs in his own team in the non-endurance races of the championship, enjoyed his two-race stint with SBR.

"I think Mark and I worked very well together and I think we had a top five car," said Noske. "The whole experience with SBR has been a positive one for me and I thank the team for the opportunity.

"Today was not to be, but maybe we can do it again sometime."