The build up to the 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000 has officially started as the Supercars hit the track for the first time at Mount Panorama.
New Zealander Matt Payne led the way in the Penrite Racing Mustang at the end of the hour-long session after clocking a 2m 07.294s to finish 0.036s clear of Cameron Waters in the Monster Castrol Racing example.
The two lead entries only featured primary drivers for the session, but Red Bull Ampol Racing elected to give both Will Brown and Scott Pye a steer, which resulted in the third fastest time.
Cameron Hill and Cameron Crick were fourth in the Matt Stone Racing Camaro from the second Monster Castrol Racing Mustang of Thomas Randle, while James Golding continued his strong form in sixth for PremiAir Nulon Racing Chevrolet.
TRADIE Beer Racing’s David Reynolds was seventh ahead of Chaz Mostert for Mobil 1 Optus Racing followed despite a trip down the escape road at Hell Corner.
Richie Stanaway gave Penrite Racing a twin top 10 result in eight leading Bryce Fullwood for Middy’s Racing and the first Shell V-Power Racing Team featuring Anton De Pasquale partners by Tony D’Alberto.
Repco Bathurst 1000 rookie Ryan Wood was another to spear down the Hell Corner escape road, while many others tested the limit early in the opening session.
Practice 2 for the Supercars is scheduled for 4:55pm AEDT.