BATHURST, Australia — Tight margins and big crashes headlined Boost Mobile Qualifying for the Repco Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama, with Matt Payne taking the provisional pole for the event.
In a dramatic final stanza to the dramatic session, Payne, Cam Waters, Broc Feeney and Brodie Kostecki were separated by a mere 0.0194 seconds.
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While Penrite Racing young gun Payne will have the honor of rolling out last for Saturday’s Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout.
Team 18 and the Shell V-Power Racing Team are facing overnight repairs after big hits for David Reynolds and Will Davison.
Reynolds and Davison both suffered large impacts into The Dipper, with the latter coming after Payne went to the top with a 2:05.6452s.
Will Brown and Chaz Mostert sneaked into the Shootout after a final flying run to the checkered flag, with Andre Heimgartner, Jack Le Brocq, Anton De Pasquale and Richie Stanaway completing the top 10.
“To be P1 in provisional qualifying is pretty cool,” a delighted Payne said. “I didn’t really think we quite had it. I knew we were going to be in the top five, but to be first is really good.
“It’s amazing how tight the top four are, really. We’re all within the same 10th. The competition’s incredible out there. Everyone’s driving at such a high limit.
“I think I got out of the car and I’m like almost about to have a heart attack because I’m breathing that hard.It’s probably more from excitement.”