Versatile New Zealander Craig Baird has topped both of today's Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia practice sessions at Phillip Island.
Baird's best effort of 1:34.69s put the 41-year-old 0.5s below his own lap record set in 2008.
Daniel Gaunt, Jonny Reid, Steven Richards and Michael Patrizi rounded out the top five on combined times.
“It's a good way to start the weekend,” said Baird.
“I've raced in multiple categories at these events for 10 years, and the closer they make the sessions the better it is for me, because a few of the younger blokes might struggle a bit (moving from one car to the other).
“I know I used to struggle a little bit, and I think it's been reflective from their pace in the second session, because we had to jump out of the V8 Supercar and straight into the Porsche.”
Max Twigg ended the day as the fastest of the non-professional “Elite class” drivers – less than one second adrift of Baird's benchmark.
“We were actually surprised where we finished in the first practice session,” said Twigg.
“I've been looking forward to this race meeting for so long. I've been thinking about it, I've been watching videos on it; it's where I want to do my very best.
“My goal this weekend is to tag onto the Professional drivers for as long as I can. That's been my goal since the start of the season.
“What will happen though is that they won't make the mistakes, where as I will; but I'll try to remain close to them for as long as I can.”
Carrera Cup qualifying will take place at 10:55 tomorrow morning.