SVG avoids carnage to top Sydney practice

Shane van Gisbergen led the way in second practice at the Coates Hire Sydney 500 as he prepares to close out his first Supercars title.

Fourth in opening practice, the Kiwi continued his hot run of form by edging out Tim Slade in the second 40 minute hit-out.

A trip down the Turn 9 escape road midway through the session proved Van Gisbergen’s only blemish ahead of qualifying tomorrow.

Van Gisbergen can secure the championship with a top five finish in Saturday’s 250km race, even if Jamie Whincup wins.

Slade sat atop the order in Practice 2 until Van Gisbergen moved almost 0.8s clear with four minutes remaining.

The Freightliner Holden was subsequently shuffled down the down order amid a flurry of fast times before Slade fired back to be just 0.02s off the Red Bull entry.

“It’s a hell of a lot better than where we were at in New Zealand,” said Slade, who endured a shocker last time out at Pukekohe that included a qualifying crash.

“I’ve always had a half decent run at Homebush and we’re pretty happy with where we’ve started.”

Jamie Whincup, Chaz Mostert, James Courtney and Scott McLaughlin completed the top six, while Nick Percat impressed with seventh for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.

The session included two early red flags after Chris Pither and Michael Caruso both found the tyre wall at Turn 8.

Damage put the two cars out of the session but will be fixed in time for qualifying tomorrow.

Pither’s accident came immediately after today’s confirmation that Super Black will not continue in 2017.

“I’m struggling with the balance to be honest, I have been for a couple of rounds now,” he said.

“The car is no different to how it was at Pukekohe and I find it quite nervous and unpredictable to drive, especially over the kerbs and the bumps.

“I think we need to look at that to try and improve this weekend. Bit disappointing, we’ll try and fix it and get out for the next session.”

Nissan Motorsport manager Scott Sinclair suggested that the hot track conditions contributed to the incidents.

“I think it’s quite tough out there with the track temp and everything,” he said.

“Michael had a bit of a hit but hopefully we can get it fixed for the ride session this afternoon and definitely for tomorrow.”

Shae Davies also had a short session, nosing his Erebus Holden into the troublesome Turn 8 tyre wall in the early stages.

He ended up at the foot of the time sheets having failed to complete a flying lap.

Result: Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Coates Hire Sydney 500 Practice 2