Ford star Scott McLaughlin insists he's not focusing on winning his maiden Supercars title after rocketing to the top of the championship in Townsville.
The DJR Team Penske ace's dominant victory the 200km race on Saturday helped him leapfrog teammate Fabian Coulthard for the overall lead.
McLaughlin continued his stellar form, winning his fifth race for the season after starting from pole position for the eighth time this year.
"I wish it was November but at the end of the day ... it's a pretty cool moment," McLaughlin said.
"We'll take each race as it comes until after the enduros and then we'll re-evaluate where we are.
"We're in a good position and we'll just take the advantage when we have it."
Six-time champion Jamie Whincup jumped McLaughlin at the start but the flying New Zealander regained the lead on the second lap.
Whincup remains winless for the season but has been runner-up six times and on the podium in nine of the opening 13 races.
"You're obviously happy with a podium, you can't be disappointed with that. But this part of the year is about winning races and we haven't won any so disappointed about that," Whincup said.
There was drama on the first turn at the Reid Park street circuit when Coulthard's Falcon spun after Tim Slade nudged him in a congested pack of cars.
It was a cruel blow for Coulthard, who finished 11th and dropped to third in the championship behind Whincup.
While the safety car wasn't called for, Todd Kelly and Slade went to the pits for repairs.
Garth Tander and James Courtney's Commodores also suffered damage early in the race.
Kelly later withdrew and Courtney's horror year continued as he was the last to cross the finish line.
In a form reversal for Prodrive Racing Australia, Mark Winterbottom, Chaz Mostert and Cameron Waters finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
"It's a good feeling. Good to turn it around and just get some confidence back," Winterbottom said.
Prodrive's other driver Jason Bright also had his day ruined by the first-lap incident, souring his 250th-round celebrations, while Nick Percat's hit a wall later in the race and beat only Courtney home.
Defending champion Shane van Gisbergen hung on for seventh, one place behind Triple Eight Racing teammate Craig Lowndes.
McLaughlin will get a chance to consolidate his lead in the 200km race on Sunday.
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