IT was the most-hyped race in recent Supercars memory - and it delivered.

Shane van Gisbergen swooped to victory in the Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300, the championship’s first night race in 21 years.

He and points leader Scott McLaughlin delivered a proper brawl for the win under the Saturday night lights, the taller Kiwi prevailing in a battle that could be pivotal come the time to hand out the championship trophy in November.

The 33,920-strong crowd were treated to a grandstand finish.

A late race Safety Car bunched up the field behind McLaughlin, setting up a 15 lap sprint to the chequered flag.

His nearest challenger initially was Craig Lowndes but the veteran missed the kick on the restart, allowing teammate van Gisbergen to rush past.

In a blink of an eye the Red Bull Holden was glued to the rear of the Shell Ford, McLaughlin using every trick in the book to try and keep his title rival behind him.

Their quarrelling bunched up the entire top five - they even made contact at one point.

But van Gisbergen finally found his way past on Lap 68, Jamie Whincup making his way past a couple of laps from home to deliver Triple Eight a team one-two.

McLaughlin hung on to finish third ahead of Lowndes, with Chaz Mostert rounding out the top five.

Rick Kelly, David Reynolds, Nick Percat, Jack Le Brocq and Tim Slade rounded out the top 10.

Van Gisbergen’s win trims his championship deficit to McLaughlin to just 89 points.

The Virgin Australia Supercars Champtionship returns to action later this month for the inaugural round at new South Australian circuit The Bend Motorsport Park.

More to follow.