KEY POINTS:
The fierce cut-and-thrust of the V8 Supercar racing hasn't started yet but 18-year-old Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen has muscled his way on to the top table.
At the end of practice yesterday, van Gisbergen had made his claim as a contender for the weekend by finishing with the third-fastest time behind Garth Tander and Jamie Whincup.
"I'm feeling more confident in myself and getting more used to the track," said van Gisbergen. "We're pretty quick out there and I got held up on my fastest lap so we're quietly confident for tomorrow."
It was Whincup who took yesterday's honours and he was in a buoyant mood looking forward to qualifying today.
"We did our homework on the track before we came here," said Whincup. "We were pretty close but it's a bit bumpier and the corners are a little bit tighter than I predicted. All and all it's got all the variations of a street circuit, and all the bumps and the chicane make it exciting."
The newest street circuit on the Australian V8 Supercar calendar has been given an unqualified thumbs-up by drivers and fans alike.
Right from the start of practice yesterday, the start of the third round of the title chase proved big, loud and proud.
The V8 Supercars are certainly very big and very loud but it's Hamilton that should be very proud. The weekend is shaping up to be the biggest single annual sporting event in New Zealand and event organiser Steve Vuleta and crew can stand tall.
Greg Murphy is also pretty chuffed with yesterday's progress as testing at Winton in the new car was cut short by mechanical gremlins. Murphy's new VE Commodore was being used in anger for the first time, and where better to do it than on home soil.
"It's not too bad - we've got a few things to try to improve," said Murphy.
Murphy put in a few good laps, finishing the day sixth fastest, and was aiming to make up more time in qualifying today.
Murphy's teammate Jason Richards, in the older model VE, did not fare so well and ended up 18th.
"My goodness, it's rough out there and bumpy," said Richards. "We're concentrating on the dampeners and stuff to get it right. We'll be competitive this weekend for sure."
The day started wet but by the time the big boys in the V8s came out, the racing line was dry.
"It's good," said three-time champion Craig Lowndes.
"Some of the bumps are in areas you don't really like them but again it makes it interesting. The track is quite exciting."
Perennial front-runner Mark Winterbottom was also complimentary.
"It's a really good track. A bit hairy in some spots, which is nice, but so far it's been great to drive around."
The biggest drama of the day came when something went amiss in Aussie Will Davison's car at turn sevenand he tried to mount the concretebarrier.
All in all, Whincup was fastest with a 1.24.58, Tander second with 1.24.62 and the flying Kiwi Van Gisbergen third with a 1.24.82.
The majority of the support-class drivers also praised the circuit and said it made for interesting racing.
NZV8 champion John McIntyre continued his good form in qualifying for race one today, by leaving the field behind. Angus Fogg continued to challenge and set the second-fastest time with Aussie David Besnard third.
Porsche GT3 Champion Craig Baird was knocked off pole by the Aussie Carrera Cup champion David Reynolds for only the second time this season. Reynolds has been the only driver to challenge Baird in the championship and today's battle could be fierce. Third fastest was Ant Pedersen.
Courtney Letica, in the Minis, eclipsed series champion Brent Collins to grab pole. Earl Bamber continued his good form in the TRS to grab pole in both qualifying sessions from Nathan Antunes and series champion Andy Knight.
