James Golding breaks Symmons Plains lap record in S5000 practice

James Golding has topped both S5000 practice sessions at Symmons Plains, setting successive track records in the process.

James Golding broke the Symmons Plains lap record in S5000 practice. (ARG)

The Valvoline Team GRM driver topped the first 30-minute practice session just 0.07 seconds ahead of Tim Slade.

Slade, a regular Supercars driver, topped the first half of the session in his S5000 debut.

The top eight drivers in the nine-car field were separated by less than a second in the morning running.

Golding topped the previous record held by Joey Mawson with a time of 48.446 seconds.

Drivers ran on used tyres on Friday, with fresh Hoosier tyres saved for qualifying on Saturday.

Golding went one better in the second practice session, setting the time of 48.392 seconds with an average speed of 179 km/h.

Reigning champion Joey Mawson was second fastest in the afternoon session, just over 0.2 seconds behind Golding.

In the combined times, Golding was fastest, with Slade second by just 0.127 seconds ahead of Mawson.

Drivers will don fresh tyres for qualifying and the opening 25-lap race on Saturday, with times sure to topple.

Qualifying and all three races will be shown on Stan Sport, with Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday to be live and free on 9Gem.