Pye back in happy hunting ground

Scott Pye has made a promising start to his Hidden Valley campaign in 2021, registering the second-fastest time in Practice 2.

It’s a return to a happy hunting ground for the Team 18 driver, who took home three podium results at the circuit in 2020.

Pye clocked a time in the second practice session of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown just 0.129s behind pace-setter Jamie Whincup.

WATCH: LOOSENESS IN THE VALLEY: DRIVERS' HAIRY MOMENTS

Although buoyed by the return to a successful location, Pye said the circuit holds mixed memories for him.

"I don’t think it’s necessarily this place; I have had some bad races here as well," Pye said.

"For some reason myself and the car are really gelling, Phil [Keed, engineer] is doing an amazing job on my car.

"This circuit just seems to really suit my car, so we have rolled out strong."

The 31-year-old improved on the pace he showed in the earlier session, having recording the fourth-best time in Practice 1.

Still looking for his first win for the Charlie Schwerkolt-led squad, Pye remains quietly confident Hidden Valley could remain his lucky location.

"There’s never a guarantee," he said.

"You have to come here with an open mind, and everyone starts with a clean slate.

" /> Darwin was a strong venue for Pye in 2020

"It’s just a nice feeling to be up the top in practice but now we need to back that up in qualifying.

"Hopefully, what we are learning here, as we are trying some new things, that seem to be working and that we carry forward into the next event and doesn’t stop here."

The Repco Supercars Championship field will return to Hidden Valley Raceway on Saturday for Race 12 qualifying at 12:05pm AEST. Tickets are available here.

The event will be broadcast live on Foxtel and will be streamed on Kayo, and will be broadcast live and free on Seven.