From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING TO TEST NEW QUALIFYING PROCEDURE AT PIKES PEAK

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – AMA Pro Racing will test a revised qualifying procedure at the Pikes Peak Round of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited. Instead of dividing qualifying into two sessions determined by even or odd rider numbers, AMA Pro Racing will split the sessions based on times from Friday’s practice sessions.

The two classes involved are Pro Honda Oils Supersport Presented by Shoei and Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock. According to Ron Barrick, AMA Pro Racing Road Race Manager, rider input was one of the considerations that lead to this decision. “Some of our riders have suggested that we look at this,” said Barrick. “Basically, it will enable riders that are closer together in lap times to qualify in the same sessions. The concept has been discussed a few times in the past. It was brought up again at Daytona and we decided to review the matter at the next road race advisory board meeting.”

A road race advisory board meeting was held at Infineon Raceway on May 3, and attended by senior AMA Pro Racing staff. The decision to test this system for possible future implementation was virtually unanimous.

The AMA Pro Racing road race advisory board is comprised of representatives and riders from several factory, support and privateer teams and meets several times per year to consider issues related to road racing.

Rider’s times from Friday practice will determine which session in which they qualify. Group one will be the slower group and group two will be the faster group. If groups cannot be divided equally, the extra rider will be placed in group one. Also, it will be the responsibility of the riders to qualify in the correct group. Riders that fail to qualify in the correct group will be placed at the back of the grid, if qualified. Barrick pointed out that this test will help determine the viability of the procedure. “If we like what we see and get positive feedback from the riders, we’ll consider implementing the procedure for future events,” said Barrick.