Valvoline GRM driver James Golding has topped the times in the opening practice session for Round 3 of the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship at Sandown Raceway this morning.

Golding set a time of 1:07.1785s, edging championship leader Thomas Randle by almost 0.3s in the 20 minute session.

Standout rookie Kaleb Ngatoa was third for Team BRM, just ahead of an impressive performance from Luis Leeds.

Nathan Herne was fifth, but endured a minor incident with Ricky Capo after the pair collided at Turn 1. The touch damaged the front wing on Herne’s Valvoline entry.

Joey Mawson only completed five laps after a driveshaft broke on his Team BRM entry. The car will be repaired and on-track for Practice 2, scheduled for 12:10pm.

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