Reynolds on top in Sandown qualifying

Saturday, 16 September 2017: Erebus Motorsport's David Reynolds has beat home qualifying wizard Scott McLaughlin to record the fastest time in qualifying for the Sandown 500.

David Reynolds has withstood a sea of Fords to steal a march in Supercars qualifying for the Sandown 500.

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The Erebus Motorsport Holden was quickest on Saturday morning in Melbourne, just sixth-thousandths of a second slower than Jamie Whincup's track record.

Behind him are five Fords - starting with series leader and qualifying ace Scott McLaughlin.

But the No.9 Commodore still has work to do to to start on the front of the grid for Sunday's race.

There are two 20-lap races on Saturday afternoon to set the starting order for the 500km classic.

"Trust Reynolds to go fastest and not get a pole," Reynolds laughed.

"It was really good. We were really concerned after yesterday in the wet. But it was awesome out there."

Aside from Reynolds, it was a Falcon-fest at the top of the timing charts.

Chaz Mostert was third, with teammate Mark Winterbottom rebounding from a disastrous Friday to chart fourth, with Fabian Coulthard fifth, and Cam Waters sixth.

Mostert said residual water on the track made for hairy moments.

"That was so challenging. The track was still wet in areas," he said.

"We've got two races to come and if we can stay up in that top five we'll be pretty happy."

The Red Bull Holdens didn't have the best morning.

Jamie Whincup was seventh, Craig Lowndes charted 11th and Shane Van Gisbergen struggled to 16th.

A trickle of rain in the final minutes of the session meant drivers weren't able to throw their cars at the circuit for a late flying lap.

Will Davison was one to career off the track, spearing his Commodore at turn one and into the mud.

The three-stage qualifying process wraps up on Saturday afternoon.

Co-drivers will jump into the cars for a 20-lap race beginning at 1:45pm (AEST).

Their finishing order will set a grid for a final 20-lap race between full-time drivers.

That race, starting at 4:15pm, will determine the final starting order for Sunday's race.






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