Drivers usually say practice times mean nothing – but not Jamie Whincup.

The V8 Supercars championship leader was fastest overall after three sessions on Friday at Sydney Olympic Park, a circuit not normally kind to his Holden.

And Whincup admits that counts for a lot heading into the season’s final two races and one of the closest title showdowns in recent memory.

“It doesn’t mean anything mentally, but certainly technically it does,” said Whincup, chasing his record-equalling fifth crown in six years.

“It’s been a good start to the weekend. We’re in the best position to keep moving forward tomorrow.”

The Holden driver outpaced teammate and nearest championship rival Craig Lowndes, who failed to break into the top six in any of the day’s three sessions.

Lowndes needs to overcome a 20-point deficit to beat Whincup to this year’s crown and claim his first title since 1999.

Whincup has never finished better than fifth in the Sydney 500’s eight-race history, while Lowndes is the only repeat winner with victories in 2011 and 2012.

“I have blocked it out,” 30-year-old Whincup said of his poor record.

“I’m not too concerned but I’m certainly aware that … Lowndsey’s been the most successful guy around this place. He’s going to be incredibly hard to beat.

“I’m going to have to do something a little bit unexpected to beat him this weekend.”

Fellow championship contender Mark Winterbottom – 124 points off the lead – finished the day third fastest, behind Holden young gun Scott McLaughlin in second. Outside hope Will Davison came in sixth.

Winterbottom struggled earlier in the day, only managing the 15th and 22nd quickest times in the opening two practice sessions.

“We’re obviously up the front somewhere. Hopefully, we’ll qualify well and put some pressure on, just not hold back and have a go,” he said.

The brutal street course didn’t take long to draw first blood on the first day of V8s action.

Lee Holdsworth’s Mercedes hit a wall and suffered front-end damage in the closing stages of practice two, forcing him to sit out the following session.

While his mechanics managed to piece his car back together for the final 30-minute run, a starter motor issue ended his day early.

Qualifying begins on Saturday at 11.55am (AEDT), with the category’s first twilight race starting at 5.10pm (AEDT).