Whincup clinches pole

Six-time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup has earned pole position for this afternoon’s 300km race after a stellar lap in the ARMOR ALL Top 10 Shootout.

Whincup was last out on track after recording the fastest time in qualifying, and his 1min10.8872 lap edged teammate and yesterday’s winner Shane van Gisbergen by just 0.089 seconds.

The battle for pit priority is part of this race as the two face off for the championship, and after finishing third yesterday with co-driver Paul Dumbrell, Whincup will be desperate to cross the line first today.

“It felt good, it’s such a gnarly little lap around this place, to get it all right is a good feeling. Wanted to make sure PD starts front row. Happy days,” he said, confirming his co-driver would start the race.

Van Gisbergen’s lap was also impressive, knocking off Erebus Motorsport’s David Reynolds, who was the surprise story of the session.

Scott McLaughlin was out first and a big winner, holding onto P1 until Reynolds came out seventh to challenge. After qualifying 10th his Volvo will start from fourth in the race. 

The horror story continues for Garth Tander, who got hit with a kerb strike and lost his opportunity at a lap, registering 10th. His 10 grid spot penalty means he’ll line up 20th and elevates Nissan’s Michael Caruso to the fifth row.

Defending Supercars champ Mark Winterbottom had a messy lap, brushing the wall into turn 11 and struggling for grip.

Craig Lowndes lost a mirror and lines up fifth, behind McLaughlin and ahead of Chaz Mostert.

James Moffat, Winterbottom and Will Davison follow.

Click here for full results from the ARMOR ALL Top 10 Shootout.

Today’s 300km race kicks off at 1.55pm local time.