Ford driver David Reynolds has broken through to claim his maiden V8 Supercars race win on Sunday at the Gold Coast 600.

The 28-year-old, who started the day by snatching pole position, made the most of late drama for Holden’s James Courtney to steal the lead and secure the win in the 300km race.

Courtney was on course for his first victory on the streets of Surfers Paradise when a steering arm broke in his Holden Racing Team Commodore, forcing him to retire with less than 20 laps remaining.

The failure was heartbreaking for Courtney’s co-driver Greg Murphy, with the veteran New Zealander hoping to end an eight-year wait for a race win.

Reynolds in the end crossed the line unchallenged with New Zealander Fabian Coulthard second and veteran Russell Ingall finishing third to secure a podium in his final visit to the Gold Coast as a full-time driver.

Holden’s Jamie Whincup put his Saturday shocker behind him to finish fourth and move within six points of championship leader Craig Lowndes, who came in eighth.

Bathurst champion Mark Winterbottom’s championship hopes took a big hit, with a broken shock absorber during co-driver Steve Richards’ stint putting the Ford ace well back in the field.

Winterbottom managed to limp home in 18th but is now 88 points off the top of the standings with just four races remaining.

His teammate Will Davison, the fourth man in the championship hunt, finished ninth and sits 121 points behind Lowndes.

The next event of the V8 Supercars championship is the Phillip Island 360 on November 22 to 24.