Holden veteran Jamie Whincup and Ford rival Scott McLaughlin will start from pole in Sunday’s two Supercars races in Townsville.

Whincup dominated the first qualifying session while McLaughlin stumbled into 13th after also struggling at Reid Park on Saturday.

But McLaughlin responded in emphatic fashion, with his Mustang powering into pole for the final 39-lap race of the Townsville SuperSprint.

The two-time defending champion pumped his fists after his best qualifying lap of the weekend secured his 70th career pole and ninth of the season.

“We thought we were thereabouts (on Saturday) but we came out this morning and the car was sort of nowhere,” McLaughlin said.

“After that we made a change, and geez it was hooked up in that second run, so I’m really happy.

“We’ve got a nice balance now so we can take it into next week, knowing we’ve got a fast enough car to get pole.”

Tickford Racing’s Cameron Waters ensured it would be an all-Ford front grid for race two after qualifying second.

But Whincup will be aiming for his 12th career win in Townsville after a superb drive from pole allowed him to claim the first race on Saturday.

“(First qualifying for the day) was certainly nice and clean, the car was good, the same as yesterday and we maximised there (to claim pole),” Whincup said.

Holden’s Chaz Mostert continued his promising season to secure second position on the grid, behind Whincup.

Sunday’s first race gets underway at 1.05pm, with the second beginning at 3.40pm.