Van Gisbergen claims Gold Coast pole

Supercars series leader Shane van Gisbergen has claimed pole position for Saturday’s opening Gold Coast 600 race.

The flying Kiwi clocked one minute and 10.65 seconds ahead of Volvo’s Scott McLaughlin and Holden’s Jamie Whincup to be fastest in qualifying for the 300km race.

Van Gisbergen will be in the box seat to claim a maiden Supercars title with more success on the concrete wall-lined street circuit this weekend.

He leads the drivers’ championship, 139 points ahead of six-time series winner Whincup with three rounds – and 900 points – left.

Van Gisbergen is also in contention for the Enduro Cup which will be decided at the Gold Coast – the third and final endurance round of the year.

He and co-driver Alex Premat trail Enduro Cup leaders Will Davison and Jonathon Webb of Holden by just six points.

The Holden star has not lost his Midas touch at the track – so far he has snared two wins, five podiums and now three poles on the tourist strip.

“I always knew Scott and Jamie would be up there but the car is fantastic,” van Gisbergen said.

The opening 300km race starts at 1455 AEDT.

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