Shane van Gisbergen tops qualifying in Toyota Racing Series opener
Shane van Gisbergen has taken pole position for Race 2 of the Toyota Racing Series at Hampton Downs, with a last-second hot lap launching him to the top of the timesheet.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion Chris van der Drift grabbed the paddock’s attention with his pace in Friday’s practice sessions, and he held firm at the top of the timing board for most of Saturday’s qualifying session.
The chequered flag had fallen when van Gisbergen crossed the line for the final time, completing a circuit in 1:30.574.
Van der Drift was just six tenths of a second behind and will line up next to the Supercars champion on the front row for Race 2.
“Pretty awesome,” said van Gisbergen.
“Just been chipping away all weekend, getting closer, and the guys have done an awesome job there - but couldn’t quite nail the perfect laps.”
“Still a fair bit left in it but it’s awesome to be here.”
Van der Drift will start Race 1 from pole position, setting the best of all second-fastest laps.
TOYOTA RACING SERIES - ROUND 1 QUALIFYING
Shane van Gisbergen 1:30.574
Chris van der Drfit +0.067
Matthew Payne +0.325
Kaleb Ngatoa +0.657
Brendon Leitch +0.727
Billy Frazer +0.858
Peter Vondanovich +0.866
Daniel Gaunt +0.902
Andre Heimgartner +1.046
Conrad Clark +1.099
Tom Alexander +1.118
Greg Murphy +1.234
Damon Leitch +1.405
Joshua Bethune +1.615
Chris Vlok +1.729
Ken Smith +6.666
Scott Davies +37.736
Steven Spear +38.018
Rex Edwards +38.672
Jared Leith +40.059
(Image: motorsport.tv)
