Practice is done, cars are tuned, all is ready.  Day two of official practice had it all….

The action on track was fast, off-track just as intense today as the final touches were put on both the cars, and the organisation for what has the potential to be an excellent weekend of racing.  Open practice this morning, followed by two rounds of timed practice meant a busy day for all.
Off-track the interest centred on resolving a width issue created by the control wheels having an unexpected offset- causing lots of cars to fail scrutineering.  Common sense prevailed and the width rule has been relaxed slightly for the weekend to allow for the wider track.
Track conditions were better than yesterday and grip came up more quickly this morning that previously.  Still, morning track conditions are a concern and officials announced late today that tommorrow’s schedule will begin with a 60 minute practice session by class commencing at 9am.
1/12th continued to be difficult in terms of grip levels – and there remains the possibility that some drivers will not contest the class once the weekend officially gets underway. Of those that did run the two timed practice heats, Simon Nicholson was fastest from Damien Barnier and Greg Fisher.
In stock “local” drivers continue to rule the roost.  Andrew Shapland (almost local) and Damien Barnier dominated controlled practice, and Keith Mackrill was equally fast before leaving early for other commitments.  Scott Parkinson, Aidan Kelly, Rhys Marshall and Michael Jones are all within reach and have the potential to threaten tommorrow – as do Damien Zarb and Paul Tomic. The Stock finals will undoubtedly be intense.
In modified, Anthony Atack’s track record lasted 5 days before being knocked off in controlled practice this afternoon. Peter Jovanovic, Simon Nicholson and Jake Zarb were all very quick, with Darrin Campbell in close attendance.  Three Queenslander’s were next – Jeff Hamon, myself and Anthony, with Andy Cooke, Josh Pain and Troy Loughlin rounding out the top 10.  There are plenty of fast guys who didn’t get a full clean run in this afternoon – and there are many questions still to be answered when the action gets underway tomorrow.
So all is set.  Practice begins tomorrow from 9am, with qualifying officially underway from 10.15.  Finally, the nationals is here!