Chaz Mostert has secured a stunning victory at the Adelaide 500 in Holden's official farewell from Supercars.
In the return to racing around the South Australian capital's streets after an almost three-year absence, Mostert saluted in a wild 78-lap race where three safety-cars were called.
It was a fairytale one-two for Walkinshaw Andretti United as proud Adelaide driver Nick Percat finished second to claim his first podium place for more than a year.
Ford veteran James Courtney survived the carnage to finish third, ahead of Brodie Kostecki (Holden) and Tim Slade (Ford).
Mostert's 21st career win and fourth of the season was an emotional one, with Holden to bow out this weekend as the most successful manufacturer in Supercars history.
"The last part of the race was pretty hectic ... you couldn't script an Adelaide 500 quite like that," Mostert told reporters.
"For Walkinshaw Andretti United to go one-two, the old HRT (Holden) team, with a special livery, the only way it would be better if it was on a Sunday.
"You never take these for granted, it's pretty special and special to share it with Nick.
"For the team it's a fairytale and I'm sure it's a fairytale for Holden fans, too."
General Motors retired the Holden brand in 2020, announcing it just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began, but the Commodore has lived on in motor racing.
However, with Gen3 cars ready to launch next year, Chevrolet Camaros will replace Holdens on the grid to battle the Ford Mustangs.
Percat's father Marc, grandfather Italo and great grandfather Paolo all worked at Holden's former South Australian plant in Elizabeth.
The 34-year-old described his podium as more enjoyable than when he won Bathurst in 2011 as a co-driver with Garth Tander.
"Absolutely amazing in front of our home crowd," Percat said.
"I said if I got on the podium it would probably be better than the Bathurst win but I wasn't actually driving the car so to get a one-two with these (special Holden) liveries I would have to say it's better."
Champion-elect Shane van Gisbergen started from 25th and last on the grid but looked set to challenge for an epic win after making up 14 spots by lap 11.
However, his frustrating weekend continued when he was nudged into a wall by Mostert on lap 41.
Van Gisbergen dropped to 18th after the incident but it got even worse for him as he slammed hard into a fence on lap 50 due to an unforced error, causing major damage to his Commodore that ended his race.
It matters little for the Red Bull Ampol star, who took an unassailable 683-point lead into the final round of the season after winning an extraordinary 21 out of 32 races this year.
Cam Waters, who started in pole, led the race for long stretches but the Ford driver came unstuck with 20 laps to go and crossed the line in a disappointing 13th place.
The second 78-lap race of the Adelaide 500 will get underway at 2.45pm local time on Sunday.
ADELAIDE 500 RACE ONE
1. Chaz Mostert (Holden)
2. Nick Percat (Holden)
3. James Courtney (Ford)
4. Brodie Kostecki (Holden)
5. Tim Slade (Ford)
