Six-time V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup has been bitten by a snake at a pre-season promotion at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.
The one-metre - non-venomous - black-headed python latched onto Whincup's hand as they shared in a photo shoot with the series trophy he'll be defending this season.
It took a couple of minutes to dislodge the snake's bite, leaving Whincup with a slight superficial wound from the teeth marks.
"It was pretty painful," admitted Whincup.
"We pushed the friendship a little bit. We decided to have the snake round the championship trophy and we moved around a few times and it wanted to get out of there.
"I somewhat knew it could happen to be honest. It was getting a bit rowdy and then it had a go.
"I thought it would have released a little bit earlier when it realised I wasn't a rat but it stayed on until we poured some water over it to get it off.
"Apparently the teeth go backward, so it's hard for it to release. We had to push it in harder to get it off.
"But I live to fight another day.
"I feel a little bit sorry for the zoo. We come out here to show how cool these reptiles are and this is unbelievably rare.
"I don't think they've ever had anyone ever get bitten and now, with all the TV cameras here, I get bitten in front of everyone."
The incident came as Whincup announced he's extended his contract with Red Bull Racing.
With his deal due to expire at the end of this season - his 10th with the team - the 31-year-old on Thursday committed for a further three years until the end of 2018.
There was some speculation that given Whincup's domination - he's won six out of the last seven V8 Supercars championships - he may head overseas for new challenges in different categories.
However, Whincup is looking forward to the sport flourishing over the next few years.
"I think there are some exciting times ahead, especially coming into the phase with the new television deal and later the new generation cars," Whincup said in a statement.
"I can see a really strong future for the series."
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