Whincup takes Phillip Is opener

One down and one to go for Triple Eight Racing driver Jamie Whincup at the Phillip Island round of the V8 Supercars in Australia.

He has taken the 22-lap opening race from Will Davison and Rick Kelly to extend his lead in the championship.

Shane van Gisbergen was the best of the New Zealanders in fifth, with Jason Richards 10th.

The 44-lap second race gets underway just after four o'clock today, following qualifying at 12.35.