Mobil 1 Optus Racing’s Chaz Mostert has made history by topping the opening Repco Supercars Championship session at Taupo International Motorsport Park.
The Supercars drivers had just one 90-minute practice session on Friday before qualifying on Saturday morning as Mostert led a Ford 1-2-3 at its conclusion.
Mostert set a 1m 26.493s to head the lead New Zealander Matt Payne by 0.0318s and Shell V-Power Racing Team’s Will Davison.
PremiAir Nulon Racing’s James Golding and Will Brown in the Red Bull Ampol Racing Camaro ZL1 rounded out the top five covered by 0.118s.
R&J Batteries Racing’s Andre Heimgartner was sixth from Shell V-Power Racing Team’s Anton De Pasquale, SCT Motorsport driver Jaxon Evans, the TRADIE Racing Camaro of David Reynolds and Nick Percat of Bendix Racing completed the top 10.
There were a couple of excursions throughout the session as drivers pushed to the limits, with Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing’s Ryan Wood ended the session by touring the gravel trap.
Reigning champion Brodie Kostecki makes his return to the field this weekend and he was 12th behind Cam Waters, but ahead of the other Tickford Racing entry of Thomas Randle.
Jack Le Brocq, Mark Winterbottom, Richie Stanaway, Broc Feeney and James Courtney all missed the top 10.
Qualifying for the Repco Supercars Championship’s Race 7 occurs tomorrow morning at 10:20 NZST or 8:20 AEST.