For fans of wheel-to-wheel dicing, there aren’t many categories which can best the spectacles that V8 Supercars can offer, as this video makes very clear. The scrap between Scott McLaughlin and Jamie Whincup has to go down as one of the most entertaining battles ever seen in motorsport, for several reasons. One is the incredible overtaking maneuvers, which require skill as well as respect. Another is the surprise finish. To use the old adage, “it’s not over until it’s over.”

Piloting the blue Volvo is 22 year-old hotshoe Scott McLaughlin, seen to be one of the sport’s most promising talents. Fending off the attacking Jamie Whincup, driver of the black Holden, is no small task, but he does so with a remarkable patience that belies his tender age. Even with Whincup buried underneath his rear wing, the young New Zealander remains composed and quick.

Bouncing off the curbs, these two talents thrash their machines to the verge of mechanical failure.

After forcing McLaughlin to cover the inside line, Whincup makes a clever run around the outside on a more conventional line, gaining that extra thimbleful of speed to sneak in and stage an attack. Giving McLaughlin just enough room to avoid hitting the wall, Whincup, one of the most successful drivers in the series, muscles his way through to the inside, taking the lead.

On most circuits, that would spell a certain end; taking place just two corners before the checkered flag. However, portions of Adelaide are used as by the public throughout the year, and that makes the surface very dirty, dusty and slippery. When emotions run high and the level of grip is low, anything can happen.