Mostert survives scare to top final practice

A major moment for co-driver Steve Owen did not deter Chaz Mostert from setting the fastest time in the final practice session for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

Mostert and team-mate Mark Winterbottom ended up one-two in the order after running Top 10 Shootout simulations in the closing stages of the 60 minute run.

The youngster’s 2:05.34s lap proved 0.30s quicker than that of Winterbottom as he prepares for his first ever Bathurst Shootout.

Owen earlier went for a long run aboard the Supercheap Ford, which almost ended in disaster as he slid wide at The Dipper.

The veteran regathered control just centimetres from the left-side concrete wall before pitting and handing over to Mostert.

“It was my last run on a bit of an older set of tyres and she got a bit loose coming down the hill,” explained Owen.

“I had a bit of a look on the big screen coming through the Elbow to see if anyone noticed.

“Unfortunately there are cameras everywhere now so you can’t get away with that sort of thing anymore!”

Owen meanwhile ended the session highly encouraged by the speed of the #55 Falcon on both new and old tyres.

“We’re happy both ways which is really, really positive,” he said.

“Normally it’s good on one tyre and not the other, but we’re both comfortable and happy.”

Winterbottom says he’ll need further adjustments to his Bottle-O Ford in order to capture his third Bathurst pole this afternoon.

“It was ok, but it’s moving around in the rear a bit,” he said after his fast lap.

“You get one lap, tighten the belts and just try and have a go.

“I reckon we’re half a chance for this afternoon if we just tighten it up a little bit.

“But it’s still slow at the bottom. We’re losing about three tenths down there.

Volvo’s Scott McLaughlin also went for a late flyer to end up third, 0.61s adrift of Mostert.

Shane van Gisbergen’s mid-session effort eventually left him fourth, while team-mate Jamie Whincup was 12th after electing not to attempt a Shootout simulation.

The session ended in overcast conditions, leaving doubt over the weather for the Shootout at 1710.

Result: Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Practice 6