AUSTRALIA: Erebus driver Kostecki left his competition trailing behind, securing a provisional pole for the Repco Bathurst 1000 with a blistering 2m04.664s lap. This remarkable performance ensures he will run last in the Top 10 Shootout on Saturday evening, a critical event that will determine the first five rows of the grid.
However, Kostecki’s closest title rival, Shane van Gisbergen, faced a nerve-wracking session. Only in the final moments did he manage to secure his spot in the shootout with the seventh-fastest time.
Contrastingly, Jake Brown encountered a series of challenges, missing the shootout altogether after an early mishap that sent his Erebus Camaro into the Turn 2 tyre wall.
Brown’s early incident prompted a red flag, but his determined crew managed swift repairs, allowing him to rejoin the fray. When the action resumed, Cam Waters showcased his prowess, becoming the first to breach the 2m04s barrier in a Gen3 car. Yet, it was Kostecki who stole the show, surging ahead with a jaw-dropping 2m04.664s lap.
While Golding and De Pasquale managed to break into the 2m04s territory, Kostecki maintained a solid lead, over a tenth of a second ahead. Despite a final push from the lead group, the standings remained unchanged, with Kostecki claiming the provisional pole, followed by Golding and De Pasquale.
Meanwhile, van Gisbergen’s last-ditch effort secured him a seventh-place finish, keeping his pole position aspirations alive. The stage is set for an electrifying Top 10 shootout, promising fans an adrenaline-fueled spectacle.
The 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 promises further excitement with two more practice sessions and the much-anticipated Top 10 Shootout on Saturday.
Kostecki’s sensational performance has undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling race day, leaving fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation.
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