Scott McLaughlin has re-written the Supercars history books on Phillip Island, winning an eighth-straight pole position.
The Kiwi qualifying maestro lowered his own time from Saturday’s race, scorching the field for his 10th overall pole at his favourite circuit.
McLaughlin’s 1:29.5422 lap was six-tenths of a second faster than teammate Fabian Coutlhard, who will join him on the front row.
On this pace, only bad fortune can prevent McLaughlin from grabbing another race win on Sunday, strengthening his bid for back-to-back championships.
“The car was just as good as yesterday but the wind changed which made the track a little bit slower,” he said.
“Whenever you have a track you enjoy it’s easier to execute.
“The last three years I’ve had a car I’ve gotten everything out of.
“I just can’t wait for the race.”
McLaughlin’s run of eight pole positions on Phillip Island is remarkable; no driver has more than five-straight poles at any other circuit.
Chaz Mostert was third fastest, with Anton De Pasquale the best Holden driver in fourth.
Cam Waters and Will Davison will start from the third row, making it five Mustangs among the top six.
The Red Bull HRT Commodores improved their efforts from Saturday and from practice, when both bombed to be outside of the top 10.
Jamie Whincup reported a much-improved set-up and landed 10th, while Shane van Gisbergen will start seventh.
“It’s a big improvement on yesterday,” Whincup said.
“I’m not high-fiving everyone, I’m P10 and getting dusted by the teammate, but we’re improving.”
The Nissans fell off the pace after Andre Heimgartner won the Altima’s first podium of the year on Saturday.
Rick Kelly was the fastest for Nissan and will start 11th.
David Reynolds will start 16th after an underwhelming qualifying effort, with Lee Holdsworth well below his fellow Mustangs in 18th and Mark Winterbottom 19th.
Overnight, three teams were docked 30 teams championship points for infringements in Saturday’s race.
In addition, DJR Team Penske were served a $6000 fine due to a brake lock mechanism failure, while Red Bull HRT and Irwin Racing will have to pay $5000 after losing wheels during the race.
