The Map Embassy Supersport Riders Paul Young and Glen Richards had a mixed free practice session this morning. In a very un-Knockhill like day the track was dry and the sun was shining down which came as a pleasent suprise to the two riders who have seen some terrible riding conditions at Knockhill over the years.
In the first session Glen set the third fastest time behind James Westmoreland and Hudson Kennaugh whilst Paul came off the bike in the first few laps after losing his front brakes. Thankfully, Paul was unhurt in the fall and managed to return to the garage to complete the remainder of the session on his number two bike and did well enough to set the 10th fastest time.
It the second session both looked fast out on the circuit and were just that. But it was a case of role reversal this time as Glen came off going into Scotsman bend. However, just like Youngy, he returned to the pit lane to jump on his back-up 45 bike with five minutes left of the session. It finished with Glen second behind James Westmoreland who was fastest and Youngy fourth behind Ian Lowry of Relentless Suzuki by TAS.
A repeat of those finishes in qualifying tomorrow would suit the team just fine. It would mean both Map Embassy riders would be on the front row for the first time this year.
1. James Westmoreland – Centurion Racing – 50.611
2. Glen Richards – Map Embassy Racing – 50.658
3. Ian Lowry – Relentless Suzuki by TAS – 50.773
4. Paul Young – Map Embassy Racing – 50.818
5. Hudson Kennaugh – Raceways Yamaha – 50.898
The dedicated Map Embassy mechanics will have their work cut out for them this evening with two bikes to repair for the qualifying sessions on Saturday morning. Glen seemed unscathed after his crash while Paul later said he felt slightly bruised and battered by his encounter with the turf but was still good to ride this weekend.
AJ Venter kept up his impressive form, setting the fourth fastest time of his only practice session. Surprisingly the riders that surround AJ in the championship were nowhere to be seen in the top five, a result that would suit AJ perfectly come Sunday and he will no doubt be hoping for a similar result tomorrow in qualifying.
Glen Richards will be wearing a black helmet with the number 18 on either side this weekend. Glen has chosen to wear the number 18 helmet in memory of his friend Craig Jones who tragically died earlier this week following a crash at the World Supersport Championships at Brands Hatch last weekend. Glen will be signing the helmet and donating it to the Chris Jones Riders fund for auction following the race at Knockhill. For more information on the Chris Jones Riders funder please visit www.cjnine.com
Check the website for all the qualifying news straight from the Knockhill Paddock.
