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)
