It was a great day of qualifying at Oulton Park for Map Embassy. But things didnt get off to the best of starts, with the team waking up to heavy rain, it didn’t look good.
In the first Supersport qualifying round 45 rider Glen Richards managed a very respectable fourth on an extremely wet circuit whilst Paul Young came in at a disappointing 19th. While Glen was considerably pleased with his performance, Paul was understandably disappointed and was desperate to make amends in the second session.
With three hours to go before the second qualifying session both riders were hopeful that the track might dry out enough to allow them to open up the Triumph's and repeat the success they had in free practice on Saturday. With varying weather reports coming in to the pit box from different sources the riders were pleased to see the sun make a significant appearance that allowed the track to completely dry out. All of a sudden the second qualifying session became a different prospect and the Aussie pair certainly made the most of it. Richards clinching second on the grid behind Chris Martin of Gearlink Kawaski and Paul claiming a place on the second row in fifth. The riders have put the team in a fantastic position for race day Monday and things got even better for the team when AJ Venter claimed the third fastest lap of the Superstock 600 session in his first and only qualifying session of the day at Oulton Park. The South African will have to wait until tomorrow morning (Monday 5th May) to know where he will start the race with his second qualifying session taking place early Monday morning, but with a dry day forecasted AJ will be hopeful of bettering his time today.
Supersport Final Qualifying positions
1. Chris Martin - Gearlink Kawasaki - 1:39.661
2. Glen Richards – Map Embassy Racing - 1:39.712
3. Hudson Kennaugh – Raceways Yamaha - 1:39.948
4. Ian Lowry – Relentless Suzuki by TAS - 1:40.031
5. Paul Young – Map Embassy Racing - 1:40.616
Superstock 600 final qualifying positions to be confirmed on Monday (5th May).
