JUST one point separates the chief contenders to win the Larry Perkins Trophy, which will be decided today at Albert Park.
The silverware named after the ex-Formula 1 driver and Bathurst legend is awarded to the Supercars driver who accumulates the most points across the Australian Grand Prix round.
Form man Brodie Kostecki holds the inside running with 219 points collected from the opening three races, including wins on both Friday and Saturday.
Shane van Gisbergen is right on his tail though, one point behind and motivated to back up his 2022 triumph.
Adding spice to the decider, van Gisbergen and Kostecki will start from the midfield for this morning’s Race 4, out of 12th and 14th respectively.
“Tomorrow’s race will be exciting battling for the Larry Perkins Trophy with Brodie,” van Gisbergen said last night.
“I bumped into Larry today and he’s a hero of mine – it was a pretty awesome moment to win that last year and be presented the trophy by Larry himself, and this year to still be in the running is really cool.
“I thought it was all over for me today, but to finish on the podium and get the fastest lap points as well which edges me up a bit.
“We start mid-pack tomorrow so it’s going to be a great battle, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
With up to 80 points still to play for – possible via a win plus fastest lap – it’s not strictly a two-horse race.
Will Brown (179), Broc Feeney (177) and Chaz Mostert (175) remain an outside chance.
Race 4 starts at 10:20am.
