Reynolds edges Red Bulls

Erebus Motorsport’s David Reynolds has put the disappointment of the Gold Coast behind him to top first practice at the ITM Auckland SuperSprint.

Practice times are significant with teams unable to run pre-marked old tyres – so quality is consistent throughout the field as the tune to the tricky Pukekohe circuit.

Reynolds recorded an impressive 1min02.7397 lap to hold out Championship leader Shane van Gisbergen by two-tenths of a second, with his nearest title competitor and teammate Jamie Whincup sitting in third.

“That’s a pretty good time for first flying lap of the weekend. Really happy, car’s got heaps of grip, track's in good condition. I’m really happy,” Reynolds said.

“I love this track, I like any track you have to bring your cojones to get a good time.”

The session was red flagged early with Todd Kelly running off the track at turns two-three, while Nissan teammate Michael Caruso didn’t emerge from the pit lane until five minutes remained in the half hour run.

The track started wet after some morning rain, but dried out quickly as the Supercars took to the circuit.

Behind the Red Bulls, Fabian Coulthard came in fourth – the second Kiwi in the order – with defending Supercars champion Mark Winterbottom fifth.

Craig Lowndes ended the session 14th after a run off. He works with a different engineering combination this weekend after Ludo Lacroix’s departure.

Scott McLaughlin was also down the order in 20th, saying he just wasn’t able to put a lap together. They are hunting for more turn in the Volvo. 

Click here for full results.

The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship has two more practice sessions today.