Motorsport: Slade in the mix at Bathurst

Tim Slade drives the Freightliner Holden at Bathurst. Photo / Matthew Hansen

While Red Bull Racing's Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell have completely dominated practice and qualifying through the Bathurst 1000 so far Tim Slade's Holden hasn't been far behind.

The Brad Jones Racing Holden driver has shadowed Whincup throughout the event so far - setting some impressive sector splits in the process.

Slade posted the third fastest time during qualifying and will be hoping to continue his good form in today's top 10 shootout.

"It is promising knowing that the speed is definitely there," Slade said after qualifying.

"The speed has been there all weekend - it is definitely the best car I have ever had at the Mountain.

"Ash [co-driver Ash Walsh] has been really speedy and happy with it as well."

Slade is hoping the later scheduled time for the top 10 shootout - 5pm local time - will make for a slightly faster race track as the tyres should get better grip with the slightly cooler temperature at that time of the day.

"It will be cooler so it should be faster. I would be surprised if it wasn't in the fours [two minute four seconds] if the conditions were right."