Press release:
McConnell Scores Scottish Pole
Billy McConnell has placed his MAP Raceways Yamaha on pole position for round six of the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship at Knockhill in Scotland.
The fast Australian was the only rider in the highly-competitive class to do a sub- 50 second lap. His time of 49.962secs is well within the lap record of 50.473 and McConnell is determined to pull in a podium position and do what he can to regain the title lead.
McConnell:
“This morning we were still chasing setup but at a tight and twisty track like this a few tenths has a big effect. I missed some time as we made changes but we’ve taken a step in the right direction as my pole position proves. At this track you need to link it all up as it is like a jigsaw so can’t mess it up it all, it has to be right to get a good lap.”
Team-mate Lee Johnston, who is still recovering from his injuries sustained at Thruxton, put in an impressive performance to take sixth place, on the second row of the grid. Following the session he was very sore but is keen to get into the thick of the race action tomorrow.
Johnston:
“My body is still sore which is a shame as my MAP Raceways Yamaha is feeling so good. At the moment I’m just not strong enough to throw it around. I need plenty of rest tonight and some supplements. The race will be tough but I’m looking forward to it.”
Allan Jon Venter the final member of the MAP Raceways Supersport squad qualified in 13th position following a small crash during the session.
Venter:
“We made some changes on the front and I just had no feel which caught me out and I lost the front. It knocked my confidence as we had gone the wrong way. We will go back to old settings and see how many people I can pass on the first corner.”
The Fuchs-Silkolene Supersport race will take place tomorrow at 14:40.
Qualifying results:1. Billy McConnell MAP Raceways Yamaha 49.9622. Steve Plater Honda 50.035
3. Ian Hutchinson Honda 50.089
4. James Westmoreland Triumph 50.190
5. Tom Grant Honda 50.207
6. Lee Johnston MAP Raceways Yamaha 50.2177. Ben Wilson Kawasaki 50.235
8. Chris Martin Kawasaki 50.275
9. Daniel Cooper Honda 50.354
10. Sam Lowes Honda 50.420
13. Allan Jon Venter MAP Raceways Yamaha 50.626Jones Qualifies Sixth for MAP Raceways Yamaha
Luke Jones battled arm pump and a busy track to qualify in sixth place at Knockhill in Scotland, for rounds six and seven of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship.
The Superstock 600 class had a dry first qualifying session followed by a wet second qualifying which scuppered the riders’ chance to try out changes they had made between sessions. Jones set a good time in the first session which stood by him when the rain came down.
Jones:
“We changed the gearing for first qualifying and it made things worse in some places. There was also too much traffic so I didn’t get a clear lap. I had been looking forward to second qualifying but as soon as we were due on track it rained. With the double header tomorrow I’d like two podium finishes.”
He is joined on the second row of the grid by team-mate Nikki Coates who also sat out second qualifying. Coates had hoped for a front row start but weather interrupted his game plan and he had to settle for eighth place.
Coates:
“I’m happy enough. I really wanted a front row as I know I can race with the front runners if I can get away with them. Eighth isn’t bad so we’ll see how we go tomorrow. I’d like to get on the podium.”
Mike McLean qualified in 28th position following a struggle for grip from the side of rear tyre. He made changes to rectify it but wasn’t able to try it out in the second session or better his position due to the rain.
McLean:
“I made some changes on the rear suspension to improve side grip which I’d hope to try out but, of course, it rained. I’m finding the track ok but I’ve not been here much. It is good fun but it is really hard to get your times down. I’d love to score points but from 28th I’ll have my work cut out.”
Cody Nally completed qualifying in 31st place as he got to grips with the Scottish circuit. This is his first time here but he is enjoying the track and improving every session.
Nally:
“I’ve got on ok here, we were struggling with suspension but we made some changes and the bike feels better. I like the track as it really flows so I’m looking forward to the race.”
The Superstock 600 races will take place tomorrow at 10:55 and 17:20.
Qualifying results:1. Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki 52.274
2. Joe Burns Yamaha 52.317
3. Jordan Thompson Yamaha 52.422
4. Matt Bilton Yamaha 52.487
5. Luke Mossey Yamaha 52.550
6. Luke Jones MAP Raceways Yamaha 52.8177. Luke Stapleford Kawasaki 52.856
8. Nikki Coates MAP Raceways Yamaha 52.8879. Jesse Trayler Kawasaki 52.897
10. Patrick McDougall Yamaha 52.904
28. Mike McLean MAP Raceways Yamaha 53.568
31. Cody Nally MAP Raceways Yamaha 53.640
Photo credit:
Dave Couldwell
