Aussie Racing Cars

Joel Heinrich has taken the Aussie Racing Cars pole in Newcastle while series contenders Justin Ruggier and Kel Treseder are set to start Race 1 from second and fourth respectively.

Heinrich and Ruggier each set their best times early in the 20-minute qualifying session, with the former laying down a 1:21.2663s on his first flyer and the latter a 1:21.3811s on his second.

Treseder was third initially before being pipped by Josh Anderson and achieving only a slim gain thereafter.

Craig Woods qualified fifth, ahead of Nick Simmons, Blake Sciberras, Kody Garland, Leigh Bowler, and Reece Chapman.

Hometown driver Cody McKay brought a slightly early end to proceedings when he clouted the outside wall entering Zaara Street.

The series debutant, who exited his car under his own power, is set to start 17th should his team be able to effect repairs overnight.

The first two of four 12-lap races take place tomorrow at 0920 and 1145 local time/AEDT.

Toyota 86 Racing Series

A late lap from series leader Aaron Borg moved him to the top of the Toyota 86 Racing Series standings following the opening day’s running in Newcastle.

Borg headed title rival Tim Brook, the pair setting near identical times that saw them split by just 0.0001s.

Brook set his lap early in the session, holding top spot until Borg’s late 1:26.6083s effort stole the position by the narrowest recordable margin.

Third fastest went to Luke van Herwaarde while another title contender in Dylan Thomas was just sixth.

The New South Welshman had been fastest in the opening session with a 1:27.7117s, 0.1664s faster than Brook.

Third was Zane Morse while Borg was 17th in the 27 car field, 1.0237s off the ultimate pace.

The Toyota 86 Racing Series is back on track for qualifying on Saturday at 0950 local time/AEDT, followed by Race 1 at 1415.