Percat’s positive start at Symmons Plains

Coates Hire Racing’s Nick Percat enjoyed a successful day behind the wheel of the HHA Racing Commodore, finishing all three V8 Supercars practice sessions in the top ten.

The highlight for Percat was a strong second fastest time behind Craig Lowndes in session two.

Nick Percat

While last year’s champion Jamie Whincup suffered power steering issues in the opening session held in damp conditions, his teammate Lowndes set the pace followed Jason Bright, Tim Slade, Fabian Coulthard, Mark Winterbottom, Garth Tander and Chaz Mostert with Percat off to an encouraging weekend with the ninth quickest time.

Lowndes continued his strong form in the second session on a dry track, while a superb lap by Percat saw him second quickest followed by Caruso. Whincup bounced back from his earlier problems to post the fourth quickest time followed by veteran Russell Ingall, Fabian Coulthard, Scott Pye, Dale Wood, Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen.

The final 20 minute session of the day saw five-time champion Jamie Whincup set the best time from Lowndes, who looked set to knock him from the top of the timesheet only to run off at turn six. Chaz Mostert, who was quickest for some time eventually finished third quickest. Percat put in another strong session to finish sixth in a satisfying day for the team.

Nick Percat: “The car has been quick all day. We just massaged a bit to make sure we didn’t go outside the window of where it is, as it’s been comfortable to drive. Being in the top ten all day is a very positive start to the weekend”.

Coates Hire Racing