Read more: PHOTOS: Faces of Newcastle Supercars

The Warners Bay 19-year-old, contesting the Aussie Race Cars support class, took the historic first lap around the street circuit on Friday and said while the stretch down Nobbys Road proved quite tricky she managed to survive a scare during the 20-minute session.

Read more: A look inside the pits of the Newcastle 500

“Down the hill, down through Nobbys Road, there are lots of bumps and it’s quite a high speed part of the track,” Poynting said.

“We haven’t quite worked out whether it’s fifth or fourth gear yet, but we’re going pretty quick. 

“I had a pretty hairy moment. I came down there all crossed up and nearly didn’t save it, but luckily I did.

“It’s a crazy section of the track.”

In familiar surroundings Poynting, who works at Newcastle Auto Electrics and Queen’s Wharf Brewery, said skills would play a vital part in racing across the weekend.

“It was so cool [the track],” she said.

“It’s early days so I can’t say whether it’s my favourite or not, but it was amazing.

“It was actually a little less daunting than what I was expecting, which is good.

“It’s quite bumpy, which always add a lot of extra entertainment. There’s a lot more driving skills that come into it.”

Read more: Newcastle Supercars 2017: The complete guide

In terms of the inaugural spin, completed in near-perfect conditions just after 9am, Poynting said leading out the field was a moment she would never forget. 

“That was amazing,” she said.

“It was a whole different experience being out in front and having a clear lap to myself.

“It was so cool to take it all in. The crowd was awesome and everyone out there was waving. It was such a good atmosphere.”

Poynting won the honours via public vote in a competition.

There were two red flags throughout the first Aussie Race Cars practice session.