KEY POINTS:
Teenager Shane van Gisbergen negotiated Team Kiwi Racing's Ford to 20th place in his debut race in the Australian V8 Supercar championship near Sydney today.
Van Gisbergen, 18, moved his way through the field after starting in 29th place on the grid in the opening race of the eighth round at Oran Park.
His effort drew praise from team owner David John, who also complimented the work of his new team crew.
"This weekend is about learning the ropes. It was Shane's first race, he had his first ever pit stop and this was the first time the new crew had worked together in a race situation," John said.
"Frankly I was delighted how it all went. Shane was tremendous. He drove within himself but showed a maturity well beyond his years.
"Shane and the team nailed their pit stop and that was a big help in pushing him up the field to 20th.
To finish your first ever V8 Supercar race in the top 20 is a real achievement."
Van Gisbergen managed to stay clear of the considerable carnage which resulted in six cars failing to finish in a race won by veteran Mark Skaife ahead of defending champion Rick Kelly.
Steven Richards was the best of the New Zealand drivers in fifth place, with Greg Murphy ninth, Jason Richards 11th, Fabian Coulthard 14th and Simon Wills 24th.
There are two races tomorrow.
- NZPA
