With Phillip Island’s reputation for rewarding bravery and momentum, the qualifying order promises an exciting final race of the year. Beard may start from pole, but with Mustangs and Camaros evenly matched and slip-streaming likely to play a role, the season finale is set up for a thrilling conclusion.

The 33 strong grid would endure constant rain of varying intensities all day on Saturday with West Australian Aldo De Paoli bagging pole for race one in front of fellow Camaro runners Trevor Talbot and Andrew Beard.

The Bend Classic once again lived up to its growing reputation as one of the nation’s great historic and sports car gatherings — and this year, the big talking point was the weather. Sunshine one moment, crosswinds the next, and heavy rain sweeping through late in the day meant drivers were constantly guessing where the grip had gone.