Round 8 – Winton

Round 8 of the V8 Supercars at Winton in Victoria was a cold one for spectators with the freezing temperatures. The non-stop action on the track certainly warmed things up however with a major incident on the opening lap of race 2 decimating the field.
The mighty XXXX GOLD Retreat was undergoing some repairs after a hectic schedule finally took its toll however the scintillating performances from the XXXX Angels on the track definitely help make up for it’s absence. The XXXX GOLD Retreat will be making its return for the first enduro of the year at Phillip Island so looking forward to catching up with you all then for an icy cold XXXX GOLD or 2!
It was also another fine effort from the XXXX GOLD Ambassador drivers with Garth Tander retaking the overall series lead after finishing in a tie for 1st with Jamie Whincup and Will Davison but winning the round on a countback. The top 3 drivers in the series are still XXXX GOLD Ambassador Drivers so well done guys!

Round Stats

Garth Tander (Toll HRT) -  equal 1st on 272  points
Jamie Whincup (Team Vodafone) -  equal 1st on 272 Points
 Mark Winterbottom  (Ford Performance Racing) – 10th on 138 points
Greg Murphy (Sprint Gas Racing) finished  equal 25th on 72 points

Round 7 – City of Ipswich 400

Round 7 of the V8 Supercars at QLD Raceway in Ipswich was certainly an action packed round for spectators at the XXXX GOLD Retreat. The XXXX GOLD Retreat was positioned right on Turn 3 at the end of the back straight which was the perfect place to catch all the action on the track. Race 2 on the Sunday saw many thrills and spills at turn 3 with Jason bright coming to grief into the XXXX GOLD signs right in front of the XXXX GOLD Retreat.

Once again the performances from the XXXX Angels proved very popular along with the appearances from XXXX GOLD Ambassador drivers Garth Tander and Jamie Whincup. Many fans were thrilled at being able to get their merchandise signed and photographs taken with the XXXX GOLD Ambassador drivers.
 
On the track it was It was another solid performance on the track from the XXXX GOLD  Ambassador Drivers with Frosty Winterbottom winning the round,  Garth Tander finishing  fourth and Jamie Whincup 6th.  Very impressive guys!

Round Stats

Mark Winterbottom  (Ford Performance Racing) – 1st  on 292 points
Garth Tander (Toll HRT) finished 4th on 240  points
 Jamie Whincup (Team Vodafone)  6th on 210 Points
Greg Murphy (Sprint Gas Racing) finished 20th on 84 points

Round 6 –Hidden Valley, Darwin

Round 6 of the V8 Supercars at Hidden Valley in Darwin was a fantastic round for XXXX GOLD following on from the launch of the XXXX GOLD Retreat at Sandown.
 
The XXXX GOLD Retreat was in a great location in the middle of the track near the spectator crossing  which meant many fans were able to come and visit the XXXX GOLD Retreat and view the spectacular performances from the XXXX Angels and get their merchandise signed and photographs taken with the XXXX GOLD Ambassador drivers.
 
It was another great performance on the track from the XXXX GOLD Ambassador Drivers with Mark and Garth finishing   second and third on the podium. The top 3 drivers in the Championship are all XXXX GOLD Ambassador Drivers so great stuff fellas!
 
Looking forward to seeing you all at the XXXX GOLD Retreat soon for an icy cold XXXX GOLD!

Round Stats

Mark Winterbottom (Ford Performance Racing) – 2nd on 278 points
Garth Tander (Toll HRT) finished 3rd on 272 points
Jamie Whincup (Team Vodafone) 4th on 214 Points
Greg Murphy (Sprint Gas Racing) finished 17th on 110 points

Round 5 – Sandown, Melbourne

Round 5 of the V8 Supercars at Sandown was an exciting round for XXXX GOLD as late on Wednesday afternoon, the “XXXX GOLD On Tour” B Double Truck pulled into Sandown Raceway for the first time. After 6 months of planning, this custom built bar and entertaining area had arrived and was about to be unveiled to the V8 Fans at Sandown.  The Retreat unfolded before many excited spectators and looked every bit like the artists impressions we were all so familiar with.   The structure measures 20.7m long x 8.3m wide and 8.2m high with an additional 6m x 5m stage attached to the front section of the trailer for the XXXX Angels performances.  The Truck also features a built in 5m x 3m Big Screen above the stage which shows all the action from the track.  A 6m long Public Bar is housed within the bottom deck of the main trailer which is open to the public on race days.  An upper deck accommodates 90 guests and will be used for corporate entertaining on the main race days.  An outdoor area with tables, chairs and umbrellas is also available for V8 fans to utilise across the weekend.
 
Not only did the XXXX GOLD Retreat provide the best vantage point from it’s trackside location, the fans were blown away by the size of the structure and happy that XXXX GOLD was providing a facility for the Fans to utilise on race days.  We also saw an increased number of XXXX Angels performances throughout the weekend as the new stage provides a permanent home for the girls allowing them to perform more often across the weekend…..now that is definitely a bonus.  We hope you enjoy the XXXX GOLD Retreat as much as we do!
 
Our Ambassador Drivers also played a huge part in making this round another successful one for XXXX GOLD, with Jamie and Mark finishing first and second on the podium resulting in Mark, Garth and Jamie now at the top of the V8 Supercar Championship ladder.  Well done guys…
 
The XXXX GOLD Retreat is now open at all V8 Supercar rounds and we hope to see you there for a XXXX GOLD!!

Round Stats

Team Vodafone – Jamie Whincup (286 Points)
Ford Performance Racing – Mark Winterbottom (252 Points)
Jeld-Wen Motorsport – James Courtney (234 Points)

Garth Tander (Toll HRT) finished 7th on 176 points
Greg Murphy (Sprint Gas Racing) finished 21st on 102 points
 

Round 4 - Barbagallo, Perth

Round 4 at Barbagallo was undoubtedly the most successful event for XXXX GOLD at the V8 Supercar Series to date.  Not only did the XXXX GOLD Retreat provide the best vantage point on track, but three of our four Ambassadors finished on the podium.  The XXXX Angels were out and about doing appearances, signing sessions and performing on track and in the XXXX GOLD Retreat for the fans.  It was great to see the locals “Living the good life” in the Retreat and enjoying a cold XXXX GOLD.

Round Stats

1. Ford Perfo rmance Racing – Mark Winterbottom: 300 Points
2. Toll Holden Racing Team – Garth Tander: 270 Points
3. Team Vodafone – Jamie Whincup: 236 Points

Greg Murphy (Sprint Gas Racing) finished 13th overall.
 
Congratulations to all our Ambassadors for a great result!!