Seven-time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup struck late to record the fastest time in practice at the Newcastle 500 on Friday.
With his 17th and final lap, Whincup jumped from seventh to first position in the dying stages of the second, half-hour session.
Whincup, who won his most recent title in Newcastle two years ago, stopped the clock at one minute and 10.3173 seconds.
He overtook Cameron Waters (1:10.3230), teammate Shane van Gisbergen (1:10.3779) and back-to-back champion Scott McLaughlin (1:10.3839), David Reynolds (1:10.4237) and Mark Winterbottom (1:10.4248).
James Courtney (1:10.4456), Fabian Coulthard (1:10.4474), Todd Hazelwood (1:10.5283) and Lee Holdsworth (1:10. 5721) rounded out the top 10.
McLaughlin, who has already wrapped up this year's crown, was quickest in the first practice session.
The team title is still up for grabs with 116 points separating Red Bull Holden and Shell V-Power.
Winterbottom is set to notch up his 500th race start this weekend.
Qualifying begins at 10:50am on Saturday.
