Greg Taylor has set the early running around a soggy Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in opening practice for the CAMS Australian GT Trophy Series presented by Pirelli.
Threatening skies left the circuit damp as the Australian GT field headed out on track, with Taylor making the most of the slippery conditions aboard his Audi R8 LMS to set a time of 1:49.2147.
Trophy Series points leader Rob Smith eased his way into the session, building up pace throughout in the Southern Star Developments entry ahead of Saturday’s qualifying to end the session second in Class.
Taylor and Smith are locked in battle for the Trophy Class title, with just 40-points separating the pair with 210-points up for grabs this weekend.
Travers Beynon made his debut on the fast Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, the Audi R8 LMS driver recording the third fastest time in class.
Richard Gartner set an impressive lap which saw the Safe-T-Stop Porsche GT3 Cup driver end the session with second best time, and fastest in Challenge class.
Leading the Challenge points standings, Scott Hookey was second in class aboard his Exotic Track Days Ferrari 458 Challenge, with Ockert Fourie, the only man who can challenge Hookey for the title, third best aboard the KPH Racing/OLOF Family Cosmetic Dental Spa entry.
Jack Smith carried his strong form from Queensland Raceway, going fastest in the MARC Class ahead of Jason Busk.
Keith Kassulke was third quickest in the MARC Focus V8 with John Goodacre a competitive fourth quickest in class on debut, with Mick Benton fifth.
The CAMS Australian GT Trophy Series presented by Pirelli is back on track tomorrow morning for second practice at 09:05 before a 25-minute qualifying at 13:20.
Two 50-minute races will then follow on Sunday, with both streamed live via the Australian GT website – www.australiangt.com.au
