The Supercars Bathurst 1000 practice was marked by a series of unexpected incidents on Thursday, leaving drivers and teams reeling.
The drama unfolded when a venomous snake was spotted in the pit lane, momentarily halting all activities. As officials worked to safely relocate the snake, teams were left anxiously waiting to resume their practice sessions.
If the snake incident wasn't enough, the day took another dramatic turn when a Mazda engine blew up, further delaying the proceedings. The engine failure was a major setback for the Mazda team, which had been working to fine-tune their car for the prestigious Bathurst event.
On the track, it was a mixed bag for drivers. Scott Pye crashed during one of the practice sessions, dealing a significant blow to his team's hopes of securing a top spot on the grid. In contrast, Jamie Whincup rose to the occasion, showcasing his exceptional driving skills to top the practice charts. His blistering pace and precision left many in awe, and his fans are now eagerly anticipating his performance in the main event.
Warwick Brown's Camaro team also experienced a setback after their car crashed during practice. The accident left significant damage to the vehicle, and the team will be working diligently to repair it in time for the main event.
Despite the setbacks and unexpected incidents, practice continued late into the day. Payce and Whincup managed to clock the fastest lap times, leaving them well-positioned for the remainder of the competition. With the drama and action of Thursday's practice behind them, drivers and teams will be focusing on fine-tuning their cars and strategies in preparation for the thrilling Bathurst 1000 event.