Mostert scores provisional Supercars pole

Chaz Mostert has grabbed provisional pole with a lap record as Supercars drivers continue to set a hot pace in the return to racing around Adelaide’s streets.

The Walkinshaw Andretti United star set a time of 1.18.6763, smashing champion-elect Shane van Gisbergen’s record time from practice earlier on Friday by more than half a second.

Mostert was one of nine drivers to surpass van Gisbergen’s mark as the newly-resurfaced circuit produced quick results.

But it was disaster for van Gibsergen in qualifying for the Adelaide 500 as he finished 25th and last, stalling on the final corner and heading into the grass when he looked set to record a fast lap.

Mostert was thrilled with his time and will look to repeat it in on Saturday for the top-10 shoot-out.

“Still a bit of work we can do but overall the car is a lot more comfortable,” Mostert said.

“I didn’t know our car had the time in it…but to be that fast around here is really cool, the track has got an amazing amount of grip.

“We’ve got to do it (on Friday) in one lap, not two, so I’m glad we’ve got a set of tyres up our sleeve and have a red-hot crack…maybe it’s a good sign so far.”

Van Gisbergen takes an unassailable 683-point lead into the final round of the season after winning an extraordinary 21 out of 32 races this year.

The Commodore driver is looking to cap off a stellar campaign by winning the two races at the Adelaide 500 this weekend to go with his Bathurst 1000 win and second-straight championship crown.

It promises to be an emotional event with Holden fans to finally bid farewell to the famous red lion.

General Motors retired the Holden brand in 2020, announcing it just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic begun, but the Commodore has lived on in motor racing.

However, with the Gen3 cars ready to launch next year, Chevrolet Camaros will replace Holdens on the grid to battle the Ford Mustangs.