Qualifying didn't quite go to script but the stage is set for a dramatic Supercars season final race as series leader Scott McLaughlin and title threat Shane van Gisbergen battle it out in Newcastle.
Holden's David Reynolds upstaged everyone to claim pole position for Sunday's final 95-lap lap that will decide the 2018 champion.
He clocked one minute, 10:54 seconds in the top 10 shootout to be fastest ahead of Ford's McLaughlin and Holden's van Gisbergen.
But all eyes will be on McLaughlin and fellow Kiwi van Gisbergen when they fight it out for this year's crown in today's race starting at 1540 AEDT.
Vying for his maiden title, McLaughlin received a boost after his series lead over van Gisbergen was extended from just two points to 53 on Sunday morning when his title rival was stripped of his dramatic Saturday following a stewards investigation.
Officials hit 2016 champion van Gisbergen with a 25-second penalty for a pit- lane refuelling breach in Saturday's race, stripping him of a dramatic last gasp win and relegating him to fifth.
The win went to McLaughlin, meaning van Gisbergen must claim Sunday's final race and hope his rival finishes outside the top six to claim a second championship.
"I need to do my best job for the team. If that wins it, so be it. If not I will fight to the end and see how I go," McLaughlin said.
If van Gisbergen places second or third, McLaughlin can still win if he finishes in the top 10.
If van Gisbergen places 10th or lower, McLaughlin will be the series champion regardless of where he finishes.
But if McLaughlin records a dreaded DNF, van Gisbergen would claim the title by finishing 17th or higher.
McLaughlin was in the box seat to win last year but copped three penalties at the final Newcastle round to be pipped by Holden's Jamie Whincup for the crown.
However, van Gisbergen said he would not be hoping for history to repeat for McLaughlin on Sunday.
"You don't cheer for someone's misfortune or hope for it," he said.
"I'm not someone who does that."
Van Gisbergen remarkably reeled in McLaughlin - who was running out of fuel - on the 95th and final lap to clinch what appeared to be a confidence-boosting victory on Saturday.
But stewards convened on Sunday morning to punish van Gisbergen after the deputy race director's overnight probe into the pit-lane incident "determined a breach of the rules has been established" with a penalty recommended.
Meanwhile, Supercars great Craig Lowndes will start the final event of his 22-year full-time career from 12th on the grid.
AAP