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Qualifying report

Ipswich Supercars: Shock pole for Chris Pither

Super Black Racing driver Chris Pither took a surprise pole position ahead of today’s opening Supercars race at Queensland Raceway.

Chris Pither, Super Black Racing Ford

Chris Pither, Super Black Racing Ford

Prodrive Racing Australia

Chris Pither, Super Black Racing Ford
Chris Pither, Super Black Racing Ford
Jamie Whincup, Triple Eight Race Engineering Holden
Chaz Mostert, Rod Nash Racing Ford
Chris Pither, Super Black Racing Ford

Pither, who races a Prodrive Racing-prepared Ford, held off PRA stablemate Chaz Mostert to take a stunning pole position for today’s 120-kilometre race.

The New Zealand backed up his practice pace with a 1m10.037s on his final run, improving by nearly half a second to jump to the top of the order.

It was enough to give the rookie his first ever Supercars pole position.

“When my engineer told me I was on pole I had to pinch myself driving down pitlane,” he said.

“The car has been quick the whole time. I didn’t know if we’d manage that this year, but absolutely amazing feeling. Hopefully this is a turning point for this year.”

Mostert will share the front row with Pither, also making gains on his final run to fall just 0.05s of pole.

Jamie Whincup finished the session third fastest, having been on top with a minute to go before Pither and Mostert improved. The Triple Eight driver held off team-mates, and title rivals, Craig Lowndes and Shane van Gisbergen.

Fabian Coulthard, the lone Penske Ford in the field after Scott Pye’s practice crash, was sixth quickest, ahead of Mark Winterbottom, Michael Caruso, Tim Slade, and Will Davison.

Surprisingly there were no Volvos in the Top 10. James Moffat was best of the GRM S60s in 13th, one spot ahead of team-mate Scott McLaughlin.

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