Mark Winterbottom leapt into third place in the 2010 V8 Supercar Championship standings following a comprehensive victory in the Sucrogen Townsville 400 today.

Winterbottom was the star of the race aboard the #5 Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon after coming from sixth place on the grid at the start of the 72-lap journey. The 29 year-old took over the front running courtesy of impressive speed and swift work from his Ford Performance Racing crew during the opening cycle of pit stops.

“Today’s win is probably one of the best wins of my career, I had a 12 second gap but then had to really fight for the win and hold off James over the final stages,” said Winterbottom.

“I had some good pace early in today’s race but when you are stuck behind someone your brakes begin to overheat, so it was good to get some clear air ahead of me and the Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon was really working well.”

Winterbottom’s pace allowed him to create a 12 second buffer over his nearest rivals by lap 45. Winterbottoms’ lead disappeared when the safety car was deployed to retrieve the stricken car of Dean Fiore, setting up an intense final stint for Winterbottom with James Courtney pressuring him for the lead.

Despite Courtney’s best efforts Winterbottom held on to record the 14th race win of his career by 1.2 seconds. The result backs up Winterbottom’s third place from yesterday and secured his fourth consecutive podium finish.

“There are some very happy guys in the garage – as there should be. When your Truckie gives you a hug you know that it is a good result,” he said.

Steve Richards also enjoyed a pair of strong results across the weekend, highlighting the continual improvement by the Orrcon Steel-backed Ford Performance Racing outfit over the past few events.

The dual Bathurst Champion secured ninth spot yesterday before going on to record his best finish of the year so far with a fine fifth placing during today’s race.

“It is a fantastic result for the team,” said Richards.

“Finishing inside the top ten yesterday was a good result, then to get a top five finish today was a huge boost for everyone in the team.”

Courtney’s second place finish today behind Winterbottom, keeps him  in the lead of the championship after eight events ahead of yesterday’s race winner Jamie Whincup.

The championship now takes an eight week hiatus before returning to the track for the L&H 500 at Phillip Island in mid November.

Event 8 of the 2010 V8 Supercar Championship Series
Sucrogen Townsville 400
Townsville, QLD

RESULTS: Race 2 (Series Race 16)

1. #5 Mark Winterbottom
2. #18 James Courtney
3. #2 Garth Tander
4. #55 Paul Dumbrell
5. #6 Steve Richards
6. #22 Will Davison
7. #9 Shane Van Gisbergen
8. #8 Jason Richards
9. #19 Jonathan Webb
10. #11 Jason Bargwanna

RESULTS: Race 1 (Series Race 15)
1. #1 Jamie Whincup
2. #2 Garth Tander
3. #5 Mark Winterbottom
4. #33 Lee Holdsworth
5. #18 James Courtney
6. #39 Russell Ingall
7. #8 Jason Richards
8. #9 Shane Van Gisbergen
9. #6 Steve Richards
10. #55 Paul Dumbrell

V8 Supercar Championship Series Points Standings
After Race 16 of 26
1. James Courtney 1947
2. Jamie Whincup 1827
3. Mark Winterbottom 1623
4. Shane Van Gisbergen 1598
5. Garth Tander 1509
6. Craig Lowndes 1479
7. Lee Holdsworth 1398
8. Rick Kelly 1352
9. Michael Caruso 1259
10. Steven Johnson 1151
20. Steve Richards 810