Johnson takes Tassie TCM pole

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 9 May 2025

Steven Johnson has taken his Touring Car Masters comeback to a new high by taking a record-breaking pole at Tasmania.

In just his second round since returning from a health related break, Johnson took pole with record pace at Symmons Plains.

The #33 Hancock Racing Ford Mustang stopped the clock with in 54.9024s.

This was a tenth clear of championship leader Joel Heinrich, who was 0.1185s adrift in the Whiteline Racing Camaro.

Adam Garwood was on it straight away in the Ford Capri. Image: DMAC Photography

The top two were more than half a second better than the rest headed by Ryan Hansford in his Multispares Torana A9X.

On his return in a new Maverick Performance Ford Capri, Adam Garwood put the #1 fourth on the grid as Andrew Fisher held off Jude Bargwanna to round out the top five in the 13-car field.

The stage was set for an interesting qualifying after a thrilling practice session.

After winning the opening round at Sydney, Heinrich carried on his momentum by topping the only practice session at Symmons Plains.

His 0:56.0414 was just 0.0340s clear of Johnson, while reigning champion Garwood shot straight to third in his first drive of the Ford Capri.

The stage is set for the Trophy Race at 14.45 AEST.

Touring Car Masters Tasmania Qualifying

1: Steven Johnson Ford Mustang 54.9024

2: Joel Heinrich Chevrolet Camaro 55.0209 +0.1185

3: Ryan Hansford Holden Torana A9X 55.5503 +0.6479

4: Adam Garwood Ford Capri Perana 55.9356 +1.0332

5: Andrew Fisher Holden Torana SLR500 56.1503 +1.2479

6: Jude Bargwanna Holden VB Commodore 56.2049 +1.3025

7: Scott Cameron Chevrolet Camaro SS 56.6220 +1.7196

8: Jeremy Hassell Holden Torana A9X 56.6575 +1.7551

9: Tony Karanfilovski Ford Mustang Trans Am 57.3085 +2.4061

10: Danny Buzadzic Holden Torana A9X 57.5753 +2.6729

11: David Hender Holden Torana A9X 57.6323 +2.7299

12: Aldo De Paoli Chevrolet Camaro SS 57.8503 +2.9479

13: Martin Riseley Ford Mustang 59.1066 +4.2042

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Johnson takes Tassie TCM pole

Touring Car Masters Tasmania Qualifying

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