V8: Whincup reveals retirement plans

Reigning V8 Supercar champion has announced plans to retire from the support when he reaches the age of 30.

The 26-year-old, who leads the series again this year after dominating the early stages of the season for Team Vodafone, made the revelation in an interview with the July edition of Australian magazine Wheels

“There is a lot more to life than motorsport,” he revealed. “It is something I live and breath. I will always be involved in motorsport in some way but there is a lot out there. Hopefully I can look at this motorsport thing, tick that box and say 'hey that's the majority of my life'.

“When I get to 60 and I am old and my kids are wheeling me out into the sun in my wheelchair at the retirement village, hopefully I can say I have done a lot more than just won a V8 Supercar championship.”

Whincup has achieved more than most in the sport at the age of 26, winning three Bathursts, three Clipsals and the 2008 championship title and stressed he would like to remain active in the sport after his retirement from racing.

 “The thing is that urge is there, what it is won't be decided till I get to that point. What I want to do right now won't be what I want to do when I am 30. I still have another three or four years which is a long time.”

“There is another three or four years of my driving career left and I want to make it successful. For me it was a great experience and hopefully the next one will be even better. Whatever that may be.”

Watch V8 Supercar coverage on Motors TV.


Andy Wilkinson