Championship leader Scott McLaughlin will start the first of two V8 SuperTourer races at the Powerbuilt Tools raceway, Ruapuna on Sunday from pole and is odds on for the inaugural V8 SuperTourer championship after lead chaser John McIntyre crashed in practice.

McLaughlin lit up the track in the dying moment of the second qualifying session for lead drivers, clocking a scintillating 1.23.145.

Each driver took part in one qualifying session, with all teams nominating the driver to start Race 1 and both grids being formed on the times each driver recorded. That meant Ant Pedersen, a winner at the first round of V8 SuperTourers at Hampton Downs, will start Race 1 from the front row. Steve Owen will start third in the Supercheap car and Greg Murphy fourth in the Mike Pero-backed Holden.

Excelling on his circuit debut was Chris Van Der Drift – easily quickest of the co-drivers. He will start Race 2 from pole position. Jack Perkins starts second in the Mike Pero car and Jono Webb fourth in McLaughlin’s Holden.

McIntyre crashed heavily in the second practice session of the day, spearing off the circuit at Turn 1 after the kink, making heavy contact with the tyre barrier. It was thought initially he had broken his arm but later hospital reports indicated a dislocated shoulder. He was conscious throughout the rescue and talking to the emergency crews who reached him in seconds. Damage to the car was extensive, however, and McIntyre’s injuries would curtail his weekend and end his championship hopes.

RACE 1 STARTING GRID

1. Scott McLaughlin – Trade Direct Holden V8ST – 1.23.145
2. Ant Pedersen – JA Russell Ford V8ST – 1.23.709
3. Steve Owen – Supercheap Auto Holden V8ST – 1.23.746
4. Greg Murphy – Mike Pero Holden V8ST – 1.23.825
5. Tim Edgell – Chesters Holden V8ST – 1.23.831
6. Steve Richards – Fastway Ford V8ST – 1.23.886
7. Andy Booth – Woodstock Holden V8ST – 1.23.895
8. Wade Cunningham – Driven Ford V8ST – 1.24.091
9. Owen Kelly – Skinny Mobile V8ST – 1.24.162
10.Mitch Cunningham – Ford Falcon V8ST – 1.24.165
11.Simon McLennan – M2 Holden V8ST – 1.24.404
12.Andrew Waite – Tasman Ford V8ST – 1.24.404
13.Angus Fogg – Hydraulink Holden V8ST – 1.24.446
14.Eddie Bell – Independent Fisheries Ford V8ST – 1.24.692
15.John Penny – Orix Holden V8ST – 1.24.905
16.George Miedecke – United Videos Ford V8ST – 1.24.907
17.Andre Heimgartner – Pink Batts Superlux Holden V8ST – 1.25.004

RACE 2 STARTING GRID

1. Chris Van Der Drift – Chesters Holden V8ST – 1.23.305
2. Jack Perkins – Mike Pero Holden V8ST – 1.23.411
3. Daniel Gaunt – Tasman Ford V8ST – 1.23.427
4. Jono Webb – Trade Direct Holden V8ST – 1.23.670
5. Paul Manuell – Orix Holden V8ST – 1.23.755
6. Cam Waters – M2 Holden V8ST – 1.23.864
7. Tony D’Alberto – Woodstock Holden V8ST – 1.23.999
8. Alex Davison – JA Russell Ford V8ST – 1.24.122
9. Dean Canto – Ford Falcon V8ST – 1.24.216
10.Jonny Reid – Driven Ford V8ST – 1.24.336
11.Luke Youlden – Independent Fisheries Ford V8ST – 1.24.473
12.Chris Pither – United Videos Ford V8ST – 1.24.556
13.Richard Moore – Skinny Mobile V8ST – 1.24.608
14.Paul Morris – Pink Batts Superlux Holden V8ST – 1.24.642
15.Dominic Storey – Fastway Ford V8ST – 1.24.666
16.Hugh Gardiner – Hydraulink Holden V8ST – 1.24.766
17.Geoff Emery – Supercheap Auto Holden V8ST – 1.24.964