Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Defending Formula USA Champion Shawn Higbee topped Unlimited Superbike qualifying at Daytona International Speedway Saturday. Morning rain saw officials cone off a section of the chicane known to be very slippery when wet, but the track was mostly dry when qualifying started.

A group of riders said they would not ride if it rained on Sunday, and threatened to boycott the event. The group included Larry Pegram and Lee Acree.

Another meeting of riders concerned with the potential of racing in the rain at Daytona is scheduled for tonight.

During the first of two 20-minute qualifying sessions, a blown engine produced a huge cloud of smoke entering the chicane. When Chris Ulrich backed off at the sight of smoke, he was clipped from behind by Craig Connell; neither fell, although both pitted immediately afterwards.

A scoring system problem resulted in monitors along pit lane being blank for most of the first qualifying session; the system displayed one rider’s name in nine positions when the monitors did display anything, soon followed by a blank screen.

Qualifying results follow:

Unlimited Superbike Qualifying

1. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:53.898
2. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:54.709
3. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:54.791
4. Larry Pegram, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.003
5. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.483
6. Mike Himmelsbach, Aprilia RSV Mille R, 1:55.844
7. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:56.568
8. Matt Wait, Honda CBR929RR, 1:56.945
9. Scott Greenwood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:57.976
10. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:57.744
11. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:58.368
12. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:58.431
13. Darry Wilbur, 1:58.716
14. Tim Bemisderfer, Honda CBR954RR, 1:58.877
15. Byron Barbour, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:59.871
16. Owen Richie, 2:00.127
17. Stephane Mertens, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:00.223
18. John Ashmead, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:00.496
19. Cory Call, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:01.121
20. Robert Presby, Kawasaki ZX-7R, 2:01.191