V8 Supercars defending champion Jamie Whincup hit back at Sydney Motorsport Park with the second fastest time in Sunday’s practice session.
Whincup, who limped home 23rd in Saturday’s 140km race at the Eastern Creek circuit and relinquished his championship lead to Ford rival Mark Winterbottom, was only bettered by veteran Russell Ingall in the half-hour session.
Ingall clocked a best lap of one minute and 30.4245 seconds with Whincup just behind with a 1:30.4926.
Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander was third fastest with a 1:30.7894 while Whincup’s teammate and Saturday race winner Craig Lowndes was fifth fastest.
Winterbottom could only clock the 18th fastest time in practice with teammate Will Davison back in 20th position on the timesheets.
Whincup will be hoping to maintain his pace in a qualifying session for Sunday’s 220km race.