The V8 Supercars Championship is back in Aotearoa. Photo: Photosport
Australian Chaz Mostert has edged Ford rivals Matt Payne and Will Davison in an historic first ever Supercars practice session at Taupō International Motorsport Park.
Mostert, who is third in the championship heading to the ITM Taupō Super400, ended up just 0.0318s ahead of Payne, with Davison just 0.0190s behind.
After 90 minutes of practice, the top four drivers were covered by just 0.0933s, with James Golding fourth ahead of championship leader Will Brown.
Supercars will return to the track on Saturday with qualifying at 10.20am, followed by the Top Ten Shootout at midday.
The first 60-lap 200km race of the weekend will start just after 3pm.