Rutter Takes Superpole For Tomorrow’s British Superbike Race At Mallory Park

Rutter Takes Superpole For Tomorrow’s British Superbike Race At Mallory Park

© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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From a press release issued by Monstermob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 12 – 2002 MCN British Superbike Championship, Mallory Park

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2002

SECOND FOR HISLOP AND EASTON

MonsterMob Ducati rider Steve Hislop kept his championship aspirations on course with second fastest time in this afternoon’s Superpole to start Sunday’s races alongside pole setter Michael Rutter.

Despite suffering from an upset stomach, Hislop became the fastest man ever around the 1.3 mile Leicestershire circuit before local ace Rutter edged him out by a tenth of a second but was happy enough after a number of niggling problems had blighted his weekend.

“I’ve struggled all weekend around the Hairpin and Bus Stop and whilst things are better, it’s not perfect. The power delivery is so unpredictable I’ve nearly been over the bars a couple of times. I was going so slow through the bus stop, it felt like I was waiting for one! But I’m happy with the front row, especially as I’ve felt ill all day, and it’s important for me to be ahead of Sean (Emmett)” said the Scot.

Indeed if Hislop manages to repeat the feat and finish ahead of Emmett in both of Sunday’s 30 lappers, it will be mission accomplished and he will land his first title since 1995.

Also gunning for glory will be Supersport rider Stuart Easton who just needs three points to be guaranteed his first championship.

The 18 year old from Hawick set second fastest time aboard the 748cc MonsterMob Ducati and is still undecided as to how to go about the task in hand which will see him clinch the title with a 13th place finish even if main rival Scott Smart wins.

“I’m confident as I did the times on a race tyre and not a qualifier. My plan for the race is to try to get a good start and play it from there. If I’m comfortable running at the front I’ll stick at it but if they’re all over me, I may have to have a rethink. I just need to finish,” said Easton.

Superpole Result:
1. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 46.584
2. Steve Hislop (MonsterMob Ducati) 46.692
3. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 46.813
4. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 47.231
5. Sean Emmett (Yamaha) 47.426
6. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 47.432
7. Karl Harris (Suzuki) 47.588
8. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 47.710
9. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 47.726
10. John Crawford (Suzuki) 47.763

Supersport Qualifying:
1. Simon Andrews (Honda) 49.306
2. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 49.328
3. Michael Laverty (Honda) 49.415
4. Rob Frost (Kawasaki) 49.437
5. Scott Smart (Honda) 49.485
6. Jeremy Goodall (Suzuki) 49.753
7. Danny Beaumont (Yamaha) 49.779
8. James Buckingham (Yamaha) 49.826
9. Tom Tunstall (Suzuki) 50.005
10. Ben Wilson (Honda) 50.018

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