Cauchi baffled by Holdsworth's qualifying woes

David Cauchi says his team has yet to work out Lee Holdsworth’s qualifying woes.

Both Penrite Racing Mustangs failed to reach Saturday’s shootout in Townsville.

David Reynolds missed out on a shootout berth by 0.04s and will start 11th.

Holdsworth’s qualifying misery continued, meanwhile, with the 2021 Bathurst winner only good enough for 24th.

It continued a trend of poor one-lap pace for Holdsworth, which Cauchi has so far been unable to overturn.

Cauchi is substituting for Holdsworth’s race engineer Will Davidson, who is absent.

Holdsworth has qualified in the top 10 just seven times in 19 attempts this season.

Conversely, Reynolds has qualified in the top 10 on 14 occasions.

Reynolds’ average qualifying heading to Townsville was 6.6; Holdsworth’s was nearly doubled at 12.1.

Where Reynolds has been fast at every round, Holdsworth’s speed has sparingly been unlocked.

Holdsworth qualified in the top 10 in all three races at the Tasmania and Winton rounds.

It’s been an otherwise tough slog, although Holdsworth has made up for it in the races.

Holdsworth has gained 50 positions in 2022; only Tim Slade and Nick Percat have gained more.

However, considering Holdsworth's qualifying woes, Cauchi knows that isn’t the pathway to success.

“We don’t want to keep doing that, that’s not the way to do it,” Cauchi said of racing from the back.

“We’re definitely struggling in qualifying with that car.

“We know reasons why, but we haven’t quite been able to make that jump yet.

“We’ve got to keep working at it. Tricky weekend with his regular race engineer not being here.

“We’ll do our best and try and get a good result for Penrite Racing."

Reynolds, who is fifth in the points, cut a forlorn figure when he crossed the line.

The 2017 Bathurst winner only just missed out on a shootout berth.

It comes after Holdsworth and Reynolds were 14th and 18th in Friday’s second practice.

Reynolds and Holdsworth were seventh and 20th in Friday’s first session.

“He made a little mistake on that lap, maybe would’ve got him in,” Cauchi said of Reynolds.

“Bit disappointing not to jump into the 10 with him.

“We're definitely not quite there with the cars this weekend so far.

“We need to do our homework and try and make them a bit faster to be a bit more comfortable."

The 88-lap Race 19 will commence at 2:45pm local time.