'Speechless' Bates after his historic provisional pole

Zach Bates has secured provisional pole position for the upcoming top ten shootout at Mount Panorama. Driving for Matt Stone Racing, the young competitor set a blistering pace during the qualifying session.

The performance has established Bates as the fastest driver to navigate the circuit in the current Gen3 era. His lap time marks a significant milestone in his racing career and places him at the front of the field heading into the next stage of the event.

Following the conclusion of the session, Bates expressed that he was left speechless by the result. The achievement highlights his rapid development and competitive standing within the current racing landscape.

The provisional pole position secures Bates a place in Saturday's top ten shootout. This final qualifying session will determine the definitive starting order for the race, with Bates now positioned as a primary contender for the front row.