Scott McLaughlin has capitalised on Jamie Whincup's heartbreak, with the Ford star poised to claim his first Supercars title after a dramatic race in Newcastle.
Whincup's quest for an unprecedented seventh championship is hanging by a thread after steering damage which has led to a 23rd-place finish.
Starting from fifth on the grid on Saturday and 30 championship points ahead of polesitter McLaughlin, Whincup's Commodore made contract with Michael Caruso's Nissan Altima on the opening lap.
Shortly after that incident, Whincup narrowly avoided a three-car pile up involving Dale Wood, Taz Douglas and Jason Bright which forced the safety car onto the track.