Bathurst 1000: Kelly Racing Thursday report

BARGWANNA AND SETON BOTH ON THE PACE AT BATHURST

Rock Racing drivers Jason Bargwanna and Glenn Seton are both on the pace after the first day of practice for this weekend's Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama today.

The pair ensured that the #11 Rock Commodore was in the top half of the field all day in the three practice sessions held, with Seton's pace in practice an especially encouraging sign.

Bargwanna set a fast time late in the third and final practice session of the day to finish today in the top 10 and the fastest of Kelly Racing's four entries.

In Practice 2, where only Co-Drivers were permitted to participate, Seton was 11th fastest showing that his 25 previous Bathurst 1000 starts will count for a lot in his first Bathurst V8 Supercar start since 2008.

Stratco Racing drivers Tony Riccairdello and Taz Douglas made a solid start for Sunday's Great Race in practice today.

The young guns worked at improving the pace of the #16 Stratco Commodore around the 6.213-kilometre circuit, ensuring they kept their car straight to ensure they keep preparations on track.

Jamie Whincup was fastest in practice at Mount Panorama today, topping the final session of the day ahead of James Courtney and Craig Lowndes.

KELLY RACING QUOTEBOARD:

JASON BARGWANNA - #11 Rock Holden Commodore:

"When you roll out of the truck here at Bathurst and you feel confident straight away you know you're going to have a good week," said Jason Bargwanna.

"There was no doubt that the initial set-up we had in the Rock Commodore was strong and it gave both Glenn and I confidence very quickly.

"So we've worked to tune it up a little bit but the track went off a little this afternoon.

"We did get a green tyre run in and we were pretty happy with our time.

"What I liked about today was the sparkle in Glenn's eye and the fact that he's bouncing around the garage excited about the potential we've got for Sunday."

GLENN SETON - #11 Rock Holden Commodore:

"Today was really, really good for us," said Glenn Seton.

"From Phillip Island to here we've made huge gains and huge change and it's been a huge step in the forward direction.

"At this stage I feel really confident in the Rock Commodore and the speed is there so I'm really looking forward to the rest of the weekend.

"I was a bit apprehensive coming here because at Phillip Island I really struggled a bit but here I'm really happy with my performance and the performance of the car and the whole team."

TONY RICCIARDELLO - #16 Stratco Holden Commodore:

"It's been 12 months since we've been here so it's good to get back in the car and have a run around here," said Tony Ricciardello.

"We are building up our speed gradually so today was all about getting a feel for the track and getting a set-up direction for tomorrow.

"The Stratco Commodore is in one piece so we can concentrate on just evaluating our day and making forward progress tomorrow."

TAZ DOUGLAS - #16 Stratco Holden Commodore:

"The Stratco Commodore is still straight and that is always a bonus here at Bathurst," said Taz Douglas.

"We are just building up to it. I thought we would be a little bit quicker in that last session so we've got more work to do with our driving and also improving the car.

"There are still two days to go before we get to Sunday so we've got a lot of time ahead of us to put in the work and get ourselves to where we need to be."

-source: kelly racing