Cool running at circuit Chris Amon
Returning racer Jaden Ransley took first blood this morning when he posted a 1:19.211 in the opening practice session for the Toyota 86 Championship. Points leader Jack Milligan took over for the followign two sessions, but Ransley's times - set in cool morning air - stands as fastest of the day for the 10-strong field.
The cool morning temperatures gave a small speed advantage to the entire Toyota 86 Championship field today as the final three practice sessions for the weekend's three races got under way.
Christchurch racer Jaden Ransley has made an impressive return to the series after his crash at Ruapuna. He set fastest time of the first session effortlessly, posting a 1:19.211 on his fourth lap and then spending the rest of the session getting 'bedded-in' to the circuit.
Fellow International Motorsport racer Connor Adam was close behind on 1:19.330, while championship leader Jack Milligan was third with a 1:19.420.
In the second session, Milligan went quickest but was not able to touch Ransley's lap time, finishing with a 1:19.784 ahead of Michael Scott on 1:20.041 and CareVets Racing scholarship driver Bramwell King on 1:20.063.
The final session of the day brought no improvement in times - Milligan was fastest on 1:19.918. Jumping up the race order though was rookie Peter Vodanovich with a 1:20.183. Vodanovich is a new-comer to the Championship and his car is under the International Motorsport umbrella for this round and the final in March.
Jacob Smith - also returning to the series but after having missed every round to this point due to having back surgery - showed he is still a force in the TR 86 by posting third fastest time, a 1:20.248.
The Toyota 86 Championship returns to the track tomorrow for two qualifying sessions at 12:20 and 12:32 pm ahead of the firts race for the category at 5:39 pm.
