A Supercars championship victory on the last lap of the last race at the inaugural Newcastle 500. A celebratory swim in the fountain at Customs House. Even a backflip into Newcastle Harbour.
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"It was a day I'll never forget," 2017 winner Jamie Whincup said as he returned to the victory scene along the foreshore on Wednesday ahead of this weekend's event.
"It's really hard to compare championship to championship, but how can you say last year wasn't extra special?
"To win the championship and get the grand prize after the last lap of the last race was unbelievable.
"I've got unbelievable memories here.
"Thankfully I didn't get done by a shark in the harbour. Thankfully I didn't catch some disease getting in the fountain.
"It was a fantastic weekend and every time I come back to Newcastle I've got a smile on my face and I'll be able to have that for the rest of my life."
Whincup's car was part of the fleet being rolled into pit lane on Wednesday morning, which also included the vehicles of 2018 title contenders Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen.
Track construction continues in the city's east on Thursday.
The drivers will sign autographs at Hamilton's Gregson Park on Thursday (5-6pm) before a classic car procession from Beaumont Street to the Newcastle CBD.
Racing in the main Supercars category and four support classes starts on Friday and finishes on Sunday.
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