Whincup Takes Provisional Pole at Bathurst

Jamie Whincup has taken provisional pole position for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in today’s qualifying at Mount Panorama.

But the six-time Supercars Champion had to survive a late lunge by young gun Scott McLaughlin in the dying moments of an eventful qualifying session.

Whincup set a best time of 2 min 05.0481 sec in the Red Bull Holden Commodore, just 0.1031 sec ahead of the McLaughlin in the Wilson Security GRM Volvo.

Tim Slade was third fastest in the BJR Holden, while Chaz Mostert set fourth fastest time in the Supercheap Auto Ford Falcon, a year after his horrific crash at Mount Panorama.

CLICK HERE: A Video News Release featuring qualifying highlights and an interview with Whincup is now available for download.

Fabian Coulthard, Shane van Gisbergen, Mark Winterbottom, Scott Pye , Garth Tander and Michael Caruso also qualified for tomorrow’s ARMOR ALL Top 10 Shootout.

Less than one second covered the top 18 qualifiers with defending champion Craig Lowndes posting his worst ever Bathurst 1000 qualifying in only 21st position.

The Harvey Norman Supergirls will start second last on the grid after Simon de Silvestro triggered a red flag by running into the sand. A red flag results in automatic exclusion from qualifying.

All drivers will take part in a final practice session tomorrow ahead of the  ARMOR ALL Top 10 Shootout.