Shane van Gisbergen Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand driver Shane van Gisbergen says winning the final race ever at Pukekohe rates is one of the greatest achievements of his Supercars career.
The Holden driver won the first race on Sunday and then came from eighth on the grid to make it two wins on the final day and extend his championship lead.
He has unofficial taken the mantle of 'The King of Pukekohe' from Greg Murphy, and was even applauded by Ford fans as he took the chequered flag.
Van Gisbergen said he drew on local inspiration to take home the win.
Van Gisbergen overhauled Cam Waters in a battle for the ages to win Sunday's finale.
The points leader's 18th win of the season meant he equals fellow New Zealander Scott McLaughlin's record race wins set in 2019.
The win helped an emotional van Gisbergen secure the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy for a third time.
Waters made a number of errors prior to being overtaken by his rival.
The weight of home support was in the #97's corner, and he delivered in style.
Van Gisbergen's winning move was completed in front of the fans on the hill.
It was an overtake akin to the one he made on McLaughlin in 2018.
"Seeing the crowd on the hill and the grand stand, they were going nuts," van Gisbergen said.
"To me, that's better than Bathurst. This is all-time for me, it's pretty cool."
Van Gisbergen will carry an extended championship lead over Waters to the Bathurst 1000.