Qualifying report

Pye third in opening Bathurst race

Triple Eight Race Engineering's Scott Pye has celebrated a top three finish in his first ever race at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit, greeting the chequered flag third in today's opening Dunlop Series race.

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Photo by: Chris Von Wieldt

In just his second day of running on the Bathurst track, Pye showed good speed in the #80 Monster Energy/Gear Wrench Commodore, setting the sixth fastest time in qualifying.

From the third row of the grid, Pye moved into fifth off the start and after an early safety car, took the opportunity to pass Chaz Mostert for fourth.

By Lap 7, Pye had powered into third, and on Lap 10 he lined up a pass for second place.

His next trip across the top of the mountain saw him run slightly wide at Skyline, opening the door for Mostert to pass the Holden driver and take second position.

Pye maintained third over the final laps to take good points away from what was an eventful race.

"Overall it was a really good day especially as it was only my second day on this amazing circuit,” said Pye.

"Qualifying was tough and the pace was ridiculously quick, the guys at the front were doing main series times so I was quite pleased to come in sixth.

"I feel like there is still a lot more in me but I know how unforgiving the Mountain can be so I am building up steadily.

"In the race I went from P6 to P3, it was quite aggressive at the start and managed to pass quite a few.

"To come away P3 in my first race at Bathurst in a V8 Supercar is fantastic and I’m really looking forward to the second race tomorrow.”

In addition to his Dunlop Series result, Pye finished a commendable 20th in the co-driver practice session for the feature 1000km race.

The second and final 14-lap Dunlop Series race will be held from 2.10pm tomorrow.

Tomorrow will see Race 2 of the Dunlop Series at 2.10pm (AEST).

Source: Triple Eight Race