Scott Pye has finished fifth and James Courtney 11th in the final race of the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

For Pye, a strong qualifying and shootout result put him in the hunt from the start.

The notoriously difficult to pass Newcastle circuit made his charge forward difficult. Like yesterday, he took his second stop later than most, which meant he had pace over those in front, but couldn’t find a way past McLaughlin in the closing stages.

For JC, he also made the shootout, but a puncture two-laps after his first stop following contact with Anton de Pasquale put him a lap down. A pit lane penalty for an unsafe release put him even further back.

Remarkably, his raw pace and the strategy by the team dragged him right back to 11th.

It rounds out a positive weekend which we can springboard off into 2020, and a greatly improved performance since the start of the endurance season.

A big thank you to everyone for their support this year. It’s appreciated by every single one of the team.

A farewell also to JC and Scott. We wish them all the best for the future.

That’s a wrap, 2019.

James Courtney

“I can’t thank the Walkinshaw family, and the entire team here enough.

“It’s been an amazing nine years. Full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

“Everyone here will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish the team the best.

“I’ve got a lifetime of memories from this place, the fans have been incredible, and it’s been one hell of a ride.”

Scott Pye

“It’s a shame we couldn’t get on the podium today, the car was great, and we had some great speed at the end.

“It’s been a great three years. Through everything, this team is a family, and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.

“Thanks to everyone for their support over the three years, and a huge thanks to the team for everything they’ve done for me. I’ll never forget that first win.”