Perkins quickest as Holdsworth strikes drama

The stage is set for the 2013 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 after the completion of the morning warm-up.

Jack Perkins proved the fastest man in the 20 minute session, with cool conditions seeing the top runners lap in the low 2:09s.

Perkins set his 2:09.3s lap at the halfway mark before handing over to primary driver Scott McLaughlin.

McLaughlin will start the race in the #33 Holden from eighth on the grid having yesterday taken part in his first Bathurst Top 10 Shootout.

“I think we are in a good position to move up in the race,” he said.

“My car has been more set up for the race (than qualifying) and if we can just keep punching out those laps then we should be up there.

“I’m pretty pumped and to start the race is a childhood dream.”

Jamie Whincup went second fastest before stepping aside for Paul Dumbrell, who is expected to start the pole-sitting car later this morning.

The rebuilt Dick Johnson Racing Ford of Chaz Mostert and the Erebus Mercedes of Tim Slade both finished the session in the top five, sandwiching James Moffat’s Nissan.

It was Slade’s team-mate Lee Holdsworth’s turn to experience drama, with the #4 IRWIN Mercedes requiring a steering rack change after a fluid leak emerged on the car’s out-lap.

The issue ensured the entry was the only one not to set a flying lap during the session.

“I suppose you can see it as a bit of good luck, it’s better to happen now than in the race,” said Holdsworth.

“The boys will fix it now and we’ll get back out for the race, it’ll be fine.”

CLICK HERE for the full starting line-up

See below for the warm-up result