Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood will start the AirTouch 500 at The Bend from pole position after Kostecki clinched pole in a thrilling Top 10 Shootout. The Dick Johnson Racing duo beat Matt Payne, ensuring an all-Ford front row.
Kostecki, known for his qualifying prowess, was impressive throughout the session, setting the fastest time to deny Payne. This result is a valuable boost for Dick Johnson Racing as they battle for team standings supremacy.
Ford's dominance was clear in the top two rows. Cameron Waters and Mark Winterbottom of Tickford Racing will start third, followed by teammates Thomas Randle and Reuben Goodall in fourth. This signals that the Mustang GT has solid pace at The Bend, a circuit that demands aero balance and engine power.
However, not all Ford teams shone. Chaz Mostert, usually a threat, will start 11th with Fabian Coulthard at Walkinshaw TWG Racing in the Toyota GR Supra A90. Meanwhile, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver Anton De Pasquale slotted into fifth, the best non-Ford.
The big question: will Ford dominate for 500 kilometers? The Bend is known for being tough on tires and fuel, so pit strategy will be crucial. Teams like Triple Eight Race Engineering, with Broc Feeney seventh and Will Brown 13th, will need to work hard to close the gap.
The AirTouch 500 starts at 1:45 PM ACST on Sunday. With a Ford-heavy grid, competition is expected to be fierce, especially between Kostecki and Payne into Turn 1. Don't miss the action at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Full Starting Grid
Here is the complete grid for the AirTouch 500 at The Bend:
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