From a press release:

SILKY WEBSTER CRUISES TO OSCHERLEBEN TRIUMPH

Steve Webster notched up his second win of the Superside World Championship Saturday at Oschersleben in Germany to move to within 11 points of leader Klaus Klaffenböck.

Webster was overtaken at the start by Jörg Steinhausen and Klaffenböck but fought back to retake the lead by the end of lap one. The Yorkshireman never looked back and fired through 22 laps to record a hat-trick of wins at Oschersleben.

“It was all about keeping it smooth and closing the gap in the standings. We managed to achieve both goals,” said a delighted Webster.

Klaffenböck had to deal with oil on his visor following Steinhausen’s blow-up but the Austrian was happy with his machine’s reliability and second place.

Reigning world champion Steve Abbott was involved in a battle royale with Tom Hanks, finally overtaking his fellow countryman on lap 14 and holding on for a gritty third.

Superside World championship race result
(22 laps -80.674km/50.421miles):
1 Steve Webster, GB (Suzuki) 34:45.872
2 Klaus Klaffenböck, Austria (Yamaha) +13.249
3 Steve Abbott, GB (Suzuki) + 17.370
4 Tom Hanks, GB (Yamaha) +18.340
5 Martien van Gils, Holland (Suzuki) +43.897
6 Mike Roscher, Germany (Suzuki) +1m21.507
7 Billy Gallrös, Sweden (Suzuki) +1 lap
8 Gerhard Hauzenberger, Austria (Suzuki) +1lap
9 Bill Philp, GB (Suzuki) +1 lap
10 Sepp Doppler, Austria (Yamaha) +1 lap.

Championship points after three of nine rounds:
1 Klaffenböck 61
2 Webster 50
3 Abbott 38
4 Roscher 34
5 Van Gils 27
6 Hauzenberger 24
7 Jörg Steinhausen, Germany (Suzuki) 20
8 Dan Morrissey, GB (Yamaha) 20
9 Gallrös 18
10 Philp 17

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Supersport:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 55.909
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 56.003
3. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 56.256
4. Jake Zemke, Honda, 56.443
5. Alex Gobert, Honda, 56.556
6. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 56.570
7. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 56.574
8. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 56.580
9. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 56.757
10. Ty Howard, Honda, 56.916
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 57.129
12. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha, 57.244
13. Craig Connell, Honda, 57.260
14. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki, 57.269
15. Doug Chandler, Honda, 57.542
16. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, 57.557
17. Marty Craggill, Honda, 57.740
18. Thad Halsmer, Yamaha, 58.183
19. Jason Curtis, Honda, 58.329
20. Heath Small, Yamaha, 59.181


Formula Xtreme:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 55.084
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 55.315
3. Jake Zemke, Honda, 55.347
4. Josh Hayes, Suzuki, 55.520
5. Doug Chandler, Honda, 55.544
6. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 55.626
7. Ty Howard, Honda, 55.815
8. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki, 55.867
9. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 55.907
10. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 55.937
11. Marty Craggill, Honda, 56.064
12. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, 56.281
13. Craig Connell, Honda, 56.500
14. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki, 56.843
15. Jeff Tigert, Suzuki, 56.945
16. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 56.956
17. Jason Curtis, Honda, 57.202
18. Geoff May, Suzuki, 57.395
19. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki, 57.483
20. Shane Turpin, Yamaha, 58.046


Superstock:
1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 56.040
2. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.250
3. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.310
4. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 56.418
5. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 56.526
6. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 56.613
7. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.620
8. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.725
9. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.795
10. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki GSX-R600, 56.811
11. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.856
12. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.208
13. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.342
14. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.349
15. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.566
16. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR600RR, 57.651
17. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 57.701
18. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.756
19. Michael Applehans, Suzuki GSX-R600, 57.905
20. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600F4i, 57.953
21. Thad Halsmer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 58.074
22. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.177
23. Hawk Mazzotta, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.415
24. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.533
25. Kevin Pate, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.688
26. Jason Peters, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.785
27. Christopher Ancien, Suzuki GSX-R750, 59.201
28. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 59.276
29. Martin Sims, Suzuki GSX-R600, 59.666
30. Tom Wertman, Suzuki GSX-R750, 59.743


250cc Grand Prix:

1. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 55.545
2. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 57.358
3. Colin Jensen, Aprilia, 58.144
4. Ed Sorbo, Yamaha, 59.099
5. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha, 59.160
6. Chris Pyles, Honda, 59.202
7. Ed Marchini, Yamaha, 59.242
8. Sandy Noce, Yamaha, 59.631
9. Greg Esser, Honda, 59.777
10. John France, Honda, 1:00.208
11. Darren Fulce, Yamaha, 1:01.113
12. Shawn Murray, Honda, 1:01.495
13. Sean Wray, Yamaha, 1:01.861
14. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 1:01.897
15. Sean McNew, Honda, 1:02.176
16. Stephen Bowline, Honda, 1:02.242
17. T. Russell Strobridge, Yamaha, 1:02.393
18. M. Ben Welch, Yamaha, 1:02.972
19. Glen Christianson, Yamaha, 1:03.060
20. John Burbach, Yamaha, 1:03.095

Simon Turner did not ride in Saturday morning 250cc Grand Prix practice at PPIR. Turner crashed twice, both highsides, during practice on Friday. Turner suffered a concussion but plans to run in qualifying Saturday afternoon.


Superbike:

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki, 54.739
2. Kurtis Roberts, Honda, 54.843
3. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, 55.054
4. Anthony Gobert, Ducati, 55.089
5. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki, 55.139
6. Ben Bostrom, Honda, 55.161
7. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 55.579
8. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 55.686
9. Larry Pegram, Ducati, 55.764
10. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 55.771
11. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki, 55.945
12. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki, 55.981
13. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki, 56.055
14. Josh Hayes, Suzuki, 56.263
15. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha, 56.491
16. Chris Caylor, Suzuki, 56.732
17. Michael Barnes, Suzuki, 56.855
18. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki, 56.931
19. Geoff May, Suzuki, 56.927
20. Jeff Tigert, Suzuki, 56.998

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn LeSanto

Ten Kate dominate Supersport qualifying again

With the morning thunderstorms clearing and the track drying, Karl Muggeridge retained his Friday pole for tomorrow’s Supersport race on his Ten Kate Honda.

“Our set up has worked pretty well so far and I’m really happy to put the Honda CBR600RR on pole again,” said Muggeridge, “But we still have some work to do to find just that little bit extra.”

Final qualifying was a two-part session after being red flagged when Riba, Nannelli and Cogan crashed on the slippery surface. But by the mid-point of the session the track was substantially dry, if a little dirty.

Muggeridge’s team mate Chris Vermeulen, still riding with an injured thumb, improved on his time and almost matched his fellow Australian. He was fast enough at 1:30.285 to take second on the grid.

Stephan Chambon is the first of the Suzukis, with an improved time moving him to third on the grid. A crash from MacPherson marred his good session, as he improved from fifteenth in Friday’s session to ninth.

“That was easier than yesterday,” said Vermeulen, referring to the effort of riding with his badly injured right thumb. “I was just trying to get around the circuit while avoiding mud and water and managed a fast lap! The conditions aren’t as quick as yesterday but we’ve worked really hard with WP Suspension and Pirelli Tyres to come up with a great set up. We still have a little more to find so the work isn’t over yet.”

The new boy of the Supersport paddock, Sebastien Charpentier, now riding as a full timer in the Klaffi Honda team, took the final front row start, ahead of Katsuaki Fujiwara and Pere Riba. Jurgen VD Goorbergh and Iain MacPherson complete the second row.


Final World Supersport Qualifying Results (fastest time):

1. Karl Muggeridge, Honda, (1:30.250), 1:30.479
2. Chris Vermeulen, Honda, 1:30.469, (1:30.285)
3. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki, (1:30.314), 1:31.812
4. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda, (1:30.397), 1:31.744
5. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki, (1:30.506), 1:30.639
6. Pere Riba, Kawasaki, (1:30.599), 1:31.211
7. Jurgen vd Goorbergh, Yamaha, 1:30.637, (1:30.620)
8. Iain MacPherson, Honda, 1:31.132, (1:30.702)
9. Broc Parkes, Honda, 1:30.891, (1:30.715)
10. Robert Ulm, Honda, 1:30.781, (1:30.769)
11. Werner Daemen, Honda, (1:30.823), 1:31.898
12. Alessio Corradi, Yamaha, (1:30.872), 1:32.204
13. Fabien Foret, Kawasaki, (1:30.935), 1:30.960
14. Gianluca Nannelli, Yamaha, (1:31.019), 1:31.591
15. Simone Sanna, Yamaha, (1:31.092), 1:31.662
16. Christien Kellner, Yamaha, 1:31.133, (1:31.111)
17. Jorg Teuchert, Yamaha, (1:31.137), 1:31.242
18. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha, (1:31.161), 1:31.678
19. Thierry vd Bosch, Yamaha, (1:31.174), 1:31.607
20. Kenan Sofuoglu, Yamaha, (1:31.189), 1:31.463


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Ten Kate Honda shine in Oschersleben storms

Rain storms threatened to ruin the final qualifying of the fifth round of the World Supersport championship in Oschersleben, Germany. But as the Supersport field took to the track for their final qualifying session, the rain held off and the circuit dried fast, allowing Chris Vermeulen to move up into second, behind team mate and pole-sitter Karl Muggeridge.

Karl Muggeridge took the third pole for Ten Kate Honda in only five races, relying on the very quick time set in Friday’s session.

“Our set up has worked pretty well so far and I’m obviously really happy to put the Honda CBR600RR on pole again,” said Muggeridge, “But we still have some work to do to find just that little bit extra.”

Chris Vermeulen ignored the pain from his injured thumb to storm into second on the grid as the session came to an end.

“That was easier than yesterday,” said Vermeulen, referring to the effort of riding with his badly injured right thumb. “I was just trying to get around the circuit while avoiding mud and water and managed a fast lap! The conditions aren’t as quick as Friday but we’ve worked really hard with WP Suspension and Pirelli Tyres to come up with a great set up. We still have a little more to find so the work isn’t over yet.”

Team manager Ronald ten Kate confirmed that despite taking the two top grid positions there was still a busy night ahead for the technicians.

“While I am happy to see both my riders at the top again we aren’t resting,” said ten Kate. “The changing conditions made lots of extra work for us here. This isn’t a quick track like Monza, so no one can accuse us of qualifying on top just because of sheer outright speed. This shows that the CBR600RR is a great race bike anywhere, even at a twisting and technical track like Oschersleben.”

The forecast for Sunday, race-day, is sunny. While wet racing may produce thrills and spills, nearly all the riders would prefer to race in the dry.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn LeSanto

Storms in Germany ruin WSB qualifying

Thunderstorms engulfed Motopark Oschersleben in Germany this morning, soaking the circuit and providing difficult on track conditions for all the riders. Frankie Chili remained in provisional pole position based on yesterday’s times.

The session started in full wet conditions, allowing riders to fine tune their wet setup around the technical circuit.

But halfway through the session, Neil Hodgson crashed his Ducati Fila when the front end tucked under braking going into the Esses. Toseland also crashed but was lucky enough to get a scooter ride back to pit lane to continue the session.

Chris Walker was fastest, from Regis Laconi and Ruben Xaus, while Chili was consistent in fourth place in the session.

The bad news for the Foggy Petronas team is that James Haydon failed to qualify by 0.097 of a second. The team would have been looking forward to a dry track to allow him to improve on his time of 1:33.726 from yesterday, but the wet session sealed his fate.

With the weather uncertain, Superpole could again be classified as wet, with the best time from a maximum of 12laps in the 50 minutes available specifying the starting grid for tomorrow’s two races.

World Superbike Championship
Round Five, Oschersleben, Germany
30-31 May – 1 June 2003
Final Qualifying Friday Times (Saturday wet lap times in brackets)

1. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati, 1:27.503 (1:43.335)
2. James Toseland, Ducati, 1:27.814 (1:44.658)
3. Chris Walker, Ducati, 1:27.984 (1:41.194)
4. Regis Laconi, Ducati, 1:28.004 (1:41.621)
5. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki, 1:28.030 (1:43.629)
6. Ruben Xaus, Ducati, 1:28.099 (1:42.251)
7. Neil Hodgson, Ducati, 1:28.213 (1:45.641)
8. Steve Martin, Ducati, 1:28.235 (1:47.818)
9. Vittorrio Iannuzzo, Suzuki, 1:28.699 (1:48.630)
10. Juan Borja, Ducati, 1:29.928 (did not ride in wet session)
11. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati, 1:28.994 (did not ride)
12. Marco Borciani, Ducati, 1:29.179 (1:51.092)
13. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki, 1:29.386 (1:45.148)
14. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki, 1:29.500 (did not ride)
15. Giovanni Bussei, Yamaha, 1:29.760 (1:45.745)
16. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas, 1:29.778 (1:46.379)
17. Nello Russo, Ducati, 1:29.881 (did not ride)
18. Serafino Foti, Ducati, 1:30.580 (did not ride)
19. Walter Tortoroglio, Honda, 1:31.428 (1:51.399)
20. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati, 1:31.837 (1:47.351)
21. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki, 1:31.950 (1:46.891)
22. Steinar Sundby Dag, Yamaha, 1:32.388 (1:50.708)
DNQ. James Haydon, Foggy Petronas, 1:33.726 (1:45.826)

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A blue flag and an L-shaped LED light will be used to warn backmarkers they are about to be lapped during the AMA races this weekend at Pikes Peak International Raceway.

AMA Pro Racing’s Ron Barrick made the announcement during the riders’ meeting Friday and said the blue flag would be displayed at start/finish and the L-light would be displayed on rider’s left entering turn three.

Barrick said slower riders would only be shown the flag and light as they are about to be lapped by the lead group for the first time in each race. It would be too confusing to display the light to every rider about to be passed by every front runner throughout every race, according to Barrick.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki and AMA Pro Racing collaborated on another special media event Thursday, when six members of the general media and two event sponsors rode on the back of an AMA Formula Xtreme racebike at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colorado.

As he did to promote the AMA event at Infineon Raceway in early May, Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp gave multi-lap rides to network affiliate television reporters, radio morning-show hosts and two representatives from Rocky Mountain Coors on a specially-prepared 2002 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Formula Xtreme racebike.

The retired racebike – which was clocked at 188 mph when ridden by Josh Hayes last season at Brainerd – is fitted with a production subframe, tailsection, passenger pegs and seat for the guest rides. The same 175-horsepower machine will travel to the remainder of the 2003 AMA rounds providing more race promotion opportunities, said Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief Keith Perry. The team also provides leathers, back protectors, helmets, boots and gloves for the guest riders, although one reporter at Pikes Peak used his own helmet.

To add to the experience, Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Chris Ulrich rides his GSX-R in close proximity to Rapp during the two-seater rides.

“It was Stacey Jones with the AMA who told me, after Infineon, that there was a two-seater program,” said Clark Curtis, Pikes Peak International Raceway Public Relations Manager.
“She passed along the contact information. I called Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki and they said sure enough, just start booking it, this is what we need to know, sizes, this and that, get it for us and we’ll have everything ready. And sure enough it was. (Media) people showed up and it went off like clockwork.

“This was an incredible opportunity. We actually weren’t aware it existed until about two weeks ago. We started calling media. We didn’t know what the response would be to it, but we were able to get all four local TV networks and two FM radio morning-show DJs. It was on both the early and late news shows on all four TV stations and it got on at least one morning show again this morning.

“It was more or less to give them an opportunity to get out and get a feel for what it’s really like to be out on the bikes, which in turn helps us sell the race and get people in the stands. We couldn’t be happier with what happened today.

“So it’s just great for us, and it’s good for them. Some of those guys were a little antsy getting on, but when they got off their eyes lit up. They were very excited.”

“I’ve never been so scared and so excited all at once in my life,” said Bryan Allen, a sports reporter for KRDO-TV, the ABC affiliate for Colorado Springs, Colorado. “You think it’s kind of mild seeing it from a distance, but it’s pretty intense out there.

“I was probably most impressed with how well he handled an extra 190 pounds on the back. You go from however fast, (then) we were decelerating for the turns and all that weight flops up against (him). I thought he handled that very well. When you consider how much it (second rider weight) varies, from 100 pounds to 215, it’s very impressive.”

“My heart was racing,” said sports anchor Jesse Kurtz of KKTV-TV, a CBS and FOX affiliate from Colorado Springs. “You go around that, and he says lean with him. And you’re like, are you serious? That gets us closer to the ground. That defeats the purpose of being on the motorcycle.

“On the straightaways the wind is in your face and you’re cutting through it,” said Kurtz. “That’s a feeling you probably can’t get anywhere else at any time. It’s like you’re cutting through a force that shouldn’t be cut through.”

Asked if he was a fan of motorcycle road racing, Kurtz said, “Oh, I am now. I’ve never been on a motorcycle, period, and to get out there and be going 120 mph on your first ride, that’s pretty impressive.”

“These guys have balls of steel,” said KKFM 98.1 FM morning show host ‘Mondo.’ “That is such high speed. I was terrified. It was the most terrifying and exhilarating thing I’ve ever done.

“You’re just sort of clinging to the track as you go around, and it feels like you’re flying at certain times. The turns were fairly frightening, but when you’re on the straightaway – the speed. I’ve just never gone that fast.


“I did a tandom (skydive) jump out of an airplane a few years ago. You think that would be a pretty invigorating thing, but it’s nothing compared to this. I mean the speed is just amazing. It’s like you’re literally flying down the track. I don’t know how these guys do it, but it was an amazing ride. These guys are true professionals. I’ll be watching these guys at PPIR from now on.”

“That was awesome! I don’t know what speeds we hit, but we did wheelies and we were down by the ground. It was awesome! Awesome!” shouted Romi Rosario, co-host of the Magic Morning Show on KKMG 98.8 FM in Colorado Springs. “He was so smooth. He knew how to shift me in order to go as low to the ground as possible without even bothering me at all. It didn’t scare me at all. I felt really comfortable.”

When informed Rapp almost went fast enough to qualify for last year’s Formula Xtreme race with her on the back, Rosario said, “Really? I’m going to brag about that tomorrow on the show!”

Asked if she was a motorcycle racing fan, Rosario responded, “I was a fan of motorcycles but not actually a fan of motorcycle racing. Now I am.”

Rapp did the fastest lap time of the two-up rides (1:02.3) with event sponsor Creig Olson on-board. The 112 percent qualifying cut-off time for last year’s Formula Xtreme race was 1:01.891.

“It was awesome,” said Olson. “No other feeling like it in the world, just hanging on and letting him have control. You can’t beat it. The flat-out acceleration and the force of the braking coming of the backstraightaway – it was incredible. I got so weak in my arms they actually started to shake trying to hold me up off the tank.”

Olson’s brother Phil, a street and motocross rider, also rode with Rapp and said, “It was awesome. Really good. It’s amazing how close we can get down to the ground around the corners. Just the acceleration of speed going around the back side. Just awesome. I mean I would have pushed it a little bit more coming down the back side, but I don’t see how he can brake with two riders.”

Even though he’s ridden a Suzuki GSX-R1000 himself, Phil Olson was impressed with, “as low as we got. I scraped my foot on the asphalt coming around the corner. It was awesome. He’s an excellent rider, excellent rider.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki plans to offer guest rides on the two-seat Formula Xtreme bike at other rounds of the AMA U.S. Superbike Championship.

Media representatives interested in the two-seat ride program can contact AMA Pro Racing’s Stacey Jones via e-mail at [email protected]

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s AMA Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki, 53.780
2. Anthony Gobert, Ducati, 54.711
3. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, 54.913
4. Kurtis Roberts, Honda, 55.448
5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 55.595
6. Ben Bostrom, Honda, 55.617
7. Larry Pegram, Ducati, 55.933
8. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 55.959
9. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki, 56.188
10. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 56.374
11. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha, 56.391
12. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 56.412
13. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 56.611
14. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 56.713
15. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 56.723
16. Jack Pfeifer, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 57.006
17. Dan Turner, Yamaha, 57.009
18. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.130
19. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.138
20. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.243
21. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 57.392
22. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 57.403
23. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.475
24. Ricky Orlando, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 57.485
25. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.552
26. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.660
27. Dean Mizdal, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 57.784
28. Jeff Tigert, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 57.943
29. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.054
30. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 58.111
31. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.178
32. Tom Wertman, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.491
33. Mike Sullivan, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 58.563
34. Sean Fey, Yamaha YZF-R1, 59.193
35. Jason Knupp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 59.350
36. Kevin Hanson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 59.664
37. Gregory Glennie, Yamaha YZF-R1, 59.769
38. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:00.080
39. Michael Kosta, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:01.176

The session was red-flagged with a few moments remaining when Jack Pfeifer crashed his GSX-R1000 in turn one. The bike slid into the haybales at the top of the banking and bounced back onto the track. The session was called complete after the red flag.

Pfeifer was seen walking back to his crashed bike after the incident and did not appear to be injured.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn LeSanto

Ten Kate Honda on top in Oschersleben Supersport Q1

Karl Muggeridge took his Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR straight to the top of the timesheets in the first qualifying session in Oschersleben ahead of Sunday’s round five of the World Supersport championship.

The Australian was straight back into top form again after dominating qualifying at Monza, only to retire early in the race with clutch problems. All teams are struggling to set their machines up to deal with a track that although generally very smooth, does have some big bumps in the wrong places.

“We’ve worked hard on the set up already,” said Muggeridge after qualifying in provisional pole. “The track is bumpy and it’s a challenge to get a set up that suits the turns and yet deals with the bumps. Both Pirelli Tyres and WP Suspension are working overtime with us trying to get the bike to work here.”

Muggeridge’s teammate Chris Vermeulen finished the session fourth, a creditable position given that he’s still carrying a nasty injury to his right thumb.

“This circuit is much more physical than Monza,” explained Vermeulen, “My thumb is better than it was but here it is doing more work. We tried a few things on set up to try to cope with the bumps, but we went in the wrong direction. But at least we know that now and I’m confident for the rest of the weekend.”

Diminutive Frenchman Stephane Chambon left it until the closing moments to put his Alstare Suzuki into second spot ahead of fellow Frenchman, Sebastien Charpentier who is now riding full time for Team Klaffi Honda. Chambon’s teammate struggled with his set up and lies sixth on the provisional grid.


Friday World Supersport Qualifying Results:

1. Karl Muggeridge, Honda, 1:30.250
2. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki, 1:30.314
3. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda, 1:30.397
4. Chris Vermeulen, Honda, 1:30.469
5. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki, 1:30.506
6. Pere Riba, Kawasaki, 1:30.599
7. Jurgen vd Goorbergh, Yamaha, 1:30.637
8. Robert Ulm, Honda, 1:30.781
9. Werner Daemen, Honda, 1:30.823
10. Alessio Corradi, Yamaha, 1:30.872
11. Broc Parkes, Honda, 1:30.891
12. Fabien Foret, Kawasaki, 1:30.935
13. Gianluca Nannelli, Yamaha, 1:31.019
14. Simone Sanna, Yamaha, 1:31.092
15. Iain MacPherson, Honda, 1:31.132
16. Christien Kellner, Yamaha, 1:31.133
17. Jorg Teuchert, Yamaha, 1:31.137
18. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha, 1:31.161
19. Thierry vd Bosch, Yamaha, 1:31.174
20. Kenan Sofuoglu, Yamaha, 1:31.189


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Ten Kate Honda start Oschersleben weekend on top

Karl Muggeridge took his Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR straight to the top of the timesheets in the first qualifying session in Oschersleben ahead of Sunday’s round five of the World Supersport championship.

The Australian was straight back into top form again but it wasn’t all plain sailing getting into provisional pole.

“We’ve worked hard on the set up already,” said Muggeridge after qualifying in provisional pole. “The track is bumpy and it’s a challenge to get a set up that suits the turns and yet deals with the bumps. Both Pirelli Tyres and WP Suspension are working overtime with us trying to get the bike to work here.”

His team mate and fellow Australian Chris Vermeulen finished the session fourth, a creditable position given that he’s still carrying a nasty injury to his right thumb.

“This circuit is much more physical than Monza,” explained Vermeulen, “my thumb is better than it was but here it is doing more work. We tried a few things on set up to try to cope with the bumps but we went in the wrong direction. But at least we know that now and I’m confident for the rest of the weekend.”

While yet another session has finished with a Ten Kate Honda on top, team manager Ronald ten Kate claims it isn’t as easy as it looks. “Maybe we are making it look easy but believe me, we’re having to put a lot of effort into this,” he said. “The nature of the track, in particular the bumps, are making life difficult for the team and riders. On Karl’s machine we have made good progress since this morning, and Chris’ his thumb is still not 100%. We will now analyse the data we collected today and work hard again before Saturday’s sessions. I am sure we have more improvements we can make.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Supersport:

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 56.722
2. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 56.825
3. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 57.006
4. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 57.028
5. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 57.066
6. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha, 57.110
7. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 57.156
8. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 57.217
9. Ty Howard, Honda, 57.217
10. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 57.243
11. Doug Chandler, Honda, 57.561
12. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, 57.583
13. Jake Zemke, Honda, 57.612
14. Craig Connell, Honda, 57.725
15. Thad Halsmer, Yamaha, 57.732
16. Alex Gobert, Honda, 57.749
17. Martin Craggill, Honda, 57.880
18. Chris Peris, Honda, 57.889
19. Jason Curtis, Honda, 58.312
20. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki, 58.501


Formula Xtreme:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda, 55.315
2. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 55.558
3. Doug Chandler, Honda, 55.714
4. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki, 55.748
5. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 55.904
6. Ty Howard, Honda, 56.052
7. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 56.083
8. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 56.187
9. Marty Craggill, Honda, 56.263
10. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 56.863
11. Jack Pfeifer, Suzuki, 56.974
12. Geoff May, Suzuki, 57.338
13. Roger Lee Hayden Honda, 57.494
14. Craig Connell, Honda, 57.664
15. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki, 57.886
16. Jeff Tigert, Suzuki, 57.902
17. Jason Curtis, Honda, 57.976
18. Rich Deeming, Suzuki, 58.037
19. Shane Turpin, Yamaha, 58.073
20. Josh Graham, Suzuki, 58.478


Superstock:

1. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.593
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 56.765
3. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.806
4. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 56.824
5. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 56.849
6. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 56.886
7. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.007
8. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.014
9. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 57.103
10. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 57.319
11. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.552
12. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.581
13. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.655
14. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.742
15. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki GSX-R600, 57.811
16. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 57.996
17. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.017
18. Thad Halsmer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 58.669
19. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.239
20. Hawk Mazzotta, Suzuki GSX-R750, 58.789


250cc Grand Prix:

1. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 56.662
2. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 56.705
3. Colin Jensen, Aprilia, 59.146
4. Simon Turner, TSR Honda, 59.159
5. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha, 59.247
6. Chris Pyles, Honda, 59.519
7. Ed Sorbo, Yamaha, 59.636
8. Ed Marchini, Yamaha, 59.642
9. Sandy Noce, Yamaha, 59.898
10. Greg Esser, Honda, 1:00.635
11. T. Russell Strobridge, Yamaha, 1:00.890
12. Darren Fulce, Yamaha, 1:01.211
13. John France, Honda, 1:01.253
14. Sean McNew, Honda, 1:01.781
15. Shawn Murray, Honda, 1:02.130
16. Sean Wray, Yamaha, 1:02.668
17. David Gallant, Yamaha, 1:02.678
18. Stephen Bowline, Honda, 1:02.708
19. M. Ben Welch, Yamaha, 1:03.109
20. Glen Christianson, Yamaha, 1:03.344
21. Andrew Edwards, Yamaha, 1:03.738
22. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 1:03.905
23. Silbanio Trujillo, Yamaha, 1:03.915
24. John Burbach, Yamaha, 1:04.101