In a city where he's had more success than anyone else, seven-time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup says it would be something special to win one more time in Townsville.
The 37-year-old boasts a record 12 wins at the Reid Park circuit and just missed out on two more notches to his belt after teammate Shane van Gisbergen pipped him last weekend.
But while the winner of 122 races says team results are paramount, Whincup conceded one more win from three races at the Supersprint would be an appropriate swansong.
"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't painful to have led 140 odd of 160-something laps and not get the chocolates (last weekend)," he said on Friday.
"Hopefully both cars are competitive first and foremost and SVG (van Gisbergen) and I can be racing each other and if that scenario is there and I can get the win that would be fantastic.
"It could be my last weekend here in a Supercar for sure, that's most likely. I'm not a greedy person I've had a fantastic run here since 2009.
"But in saying that, of course I'm here to compete. I'm not here to make up the numbers so if I can get one of the three, I'd be certainly very, very happy."
Since his retirement announcement in February, Whincup has been continually fielded questions about a farewell tour at each destination and how he might reflect on his illustrious V8s career.
But Whincup has skirted around the topic, speaking only of the importance to deliver for Red Bull Ampol Racing.
Backing up for his second double-header in as many years in north Queensland, Whincup did pause and reflect briefly on what this track and city means to him.
"It's not like I go to every round thinking this would be my last time, I'm sort of in the heat of the battle, trying to push hard for for this year's championship," he said.
"I'm sure it'll hit me hard at the last round, but right now it's another race and opportunity to score some points.
"I reckon when I'm 80 years old looking back on my racing career, I'll certainly have some very, very good memories from Townsville."
As a driver, team owner and commissioner, Whincup says Supercars organisers are "working overtime" to ensure the full program for 2021 stays together.
