ESPN.com · Aug 25, 2018
Holden's Whincup claims pole at The Bend
The Bend again had the Supercars' biggest names in a spin before reigning series champion Jamie Whincup claimed pole position for the opening race of the category's newest track.
Whincup was among the stars who struggled on the demanding 18-turn, 4.95km course at Tailem Bend, an hour's drive from Adelaide, spinning out during the 15 minute qualifying session on Saturday.
He recovered to clock a lap of one minute, 50.13 seconds to top the timesheets ahead of Holden teammate Shane van Gisbergen and Nissan's Michael Caruso.
Series leader, Ford's Scott McLaughlin, will start Saturday's 120km opening race at the maiden The Bend SuperSprint round from fifth spot on the grid.