One of the most impressive performances of V8 SuperTourer qualifying was single seater ace Chris van Der Drift, who clocked the second fastest time overall - a stunning 1.23.3 on his debut at the Powerbuilt Tools Raceway.

He was quickest overall in the first qualifying session, eclipsing all of the other co-drivers, many of whom have extensive experience at the historic Ruapuna track. It marked a major turnaround for the Edgell Performance Racing team in only their third V8 SuperTourer event - with lead driver Tim Edgell posting sixth fastest time in his session.

Van Der Drift's pace was particularly impressive not only because he was new to the track, but he had also not driven the circuit on new tyres until his qualifying run.

"It was the first set of new tyres I had used all day," explained van Der Drift. "In the last practice session I was just about to switch to new tyres when the red came out. In qualifying I went out on scrubbed tyres and did a 1.23.8. The new tyres went on after that, I did a four lap run and I think it was the last flying lap which was quickest. It just kept coming to me really.

"We only did one race at Pukekohe before we had problems and this is my first time at the circuit but we have found a few things with the car and it's really nice around the circuit. It just keeps getting better for us, so that's great.

It is unusual for single seater specialists to take to 'tin tops' so quickly, but the 26 year old has adapted his style to the V8 SuperTourer chassis remarkably easily. "After Pukekohe I was a bit disillusioned really because it was a bit of a beast around there and over the bumps, but here it is really nice and the things we have changed have really made a difference. It's good to drive now, a little bit more sideways than I am used to, but a lot of fun."