Fisher swims clear in opening TCM practice
The Duggan Family Hotels Touring Car Masters have opened the batting at a wet Mount Panorama, with Andrew Fisher fastest.
The 2025 Bathurst 1000 began with the thunderous TCMs shaking the campers early on Thursday morning.
Fisher emerged on top, with his Jesus Racing Torana posting a strong 2:49.4263.
This was a commanding 2.5s clear of Steven Johnson, while championship leader Joel Heinrich put in a late lap to get third.
They were the only cars within 4s of the leader’s pace as Danny Buzadzic and Adam Garwood completed the top five.
It was a baptism of fire for the travelling Kiwis to come to grips with the mountain in challenging conditions.
The entire top 10 were locals, with the leading Kiwi, Angus Fogg, in 11th.
He was the only visitor to eclipse the three-minute barrier, recording a 2:58.9235 in his yellow and black Mustang.
Kiwi Angus Fogg in his Mustang.
The next best Kiwi was Tony Galbraith in a Valiant, and then Monza runner Mike Wallace.
The fast practice time continues Fisher’s rebound from the Tasmania rebuild.
After finding his feet following a rush to get to Darwin, the Jesus Torana was back at the front of the field at The Bend, finishing on the podium after some big battles.
He was thrilled to find some pace after overcoming more teething issues with the Torana.
“We are still searching for a couple of little things, but the car was good at The Bend,” Fisher told Auto Action.
“We tested there and found an issue with our stub axle, where I was getting really bad knock off through the brakes.
“We are now on top of it and have a few ideas to improve it further.
“It was a great weekend of hard racing.
“Bathurst will be good. It’s great for big grids and have so many cars, so we will see how we go.”
Touring Car Masters go qualifying at 10.55 AEDT.
Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE
Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE
Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here.
