Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon Practice Times:

Supersport:

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:29.085
2. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:29.372
3. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:29.485
4. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.573
5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:29.679
6. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 1:29.735
7. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:29.756
8. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:30.293
9. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, 1:30.620
10. Marty Craggill, Honda, 1:30.713
11. Lee Acree, Yamaha, 1:30.763
12. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:30.840
13. Chris Peris, Honda, 1:30.877
14. Jeff Wood, Yamaha, 1:31.008
15. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:31.138
16. Ty Howard, Honda, 1:31.249
17. Chris Rankin, Honda, 1:31.591
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki, 1:32.355
19. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki, 1:32.380
20. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki, 1:32.877

30. Greg White, Yamaha, 1:36.602

Formula Xtreme:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.303
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.725
3. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.414
4. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.081
5. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.227
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.706
7. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.751
8. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.860
9. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.739
10. James Ellison, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.975
11. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.357
12. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.505
13. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR929RR, 1:33.754
14. Darin Edwards, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.812
15. David Bell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.921
16. Rick Narup, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.237
17. Doug Duane, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.383
18. Eric Haugo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:35.388
19. Bob Siebenhaar, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.895
20. Chad Rolland, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.274


Superstock:

1. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.775
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.039
3. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.216
4. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.429
5. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.622
6. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.795
7. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.846
8. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.909
9. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.944
10. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.182
11. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.230
12. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.294
13. James Ellison, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.334
14. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.670
15. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.291
16. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.625
17. Lee Acree, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.700
18. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.730
19. Jason Peters, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.765
20. David Weber, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.986
21. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.253
22. Darren Luck, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.430
23. Travis King, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.964
24. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.993
25. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:33.048


250cc Grand Prix:

1. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 1:29.457
2. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 1:29.907
3. Simon Turner, TSR Honda, 1:30.751
4. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha, 1:31.600
5. Barrett Long, Yamaha, 1:33.623
6. Ed Sorbo, Yamaha, 1:33.726
7. Ed Marchini, Yamaha, 1:33.761
8. Chris Pyles, Honda, 1:34.148
9. Michael Montoya, Yamaha, 1:34.518
10. Sean McNew, Honda, 1:35.568
11. John France, Honda, 1:35.860
12. Sandy Noce, Yamaha, 1:35.918
13. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 1:36.150
14. Billy Dalu, Yamaham, 1:36.345
15. Colin Jensen, Aprilia, 1:36.599

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

SPEED Channel on-air personality Greg White will ride a factory Yamaha YZF-R6 in the AMA Supersport race this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park.

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” said White Friday morning before going out for his first practice.

White has use of a factory Yamaha, a factory mechanic in Jason Haines (David Vullemin’s factory Yamaha Supercross mechanic), custom Alpinestars leathers made to replicate those worn by the factory Yamaha riders and his own posters with an action photo of him on the bike.

White, a former full-time AMA racer who finished a career-best of eighth in a Formula Xtreme race in 2000, says his experience will be a feature story on his show “Greg’s Garage.” The feature is being referred to as “Factory Rider for a Day.”

Pointing out that he hadn’t raced in four weeks, White said his first goal is to simply make the grid and his ultimate goal would be to finish in the top 15, among the factory bikes and ahead of the privateer racers.

White was 32nd in the first Supersport practice Friday morning with a 1:36.911. Well behind his Yamaha “teammate” Jamie Hacking, who led the session with a 1:29.113.

White will be a busy man during the weekend. In addition to practicing in Supersport and Superstock sessions, qualifying and racing in Supersport, White will also still have to fill his role as pitlane reporter during the other races broadcast by SPEED.

From a press release issued by Scuderia Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks:

David Garcia in Italy to be fit for Imola

David Garcia, the Spanish rider of 998RS Ducati Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks, who isn’t satisfied of rehabilitation therapies made so far after Sugo’s accident that ruined the racing season after the splendid start, took the opportunity of his presence in Italy to start a new therapy by the specialised rehabilitation clinic in Forlì managed by Fabrizio Borra.

Fabrizio Borra can boast of a long professional experience from which got positive results in the recent time several sportsmen involved in an accident, as car Formula 1 riders Barrichello and Alonso as well the bicycle champions Pantani and Cipollini.

Thanks this therapy David Garcia is confident to be able from Imola to finish the two Superbike races and later be perfectly fit for the last round of the season in Magny Cours next October 19.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning Practice Times:

MotoGP:

1. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 1:50.376
2. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 1:50.473
3. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 1:50.817
4. Sete Gibernau, Honda, 1:51.075
5. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha, 1:51.210
6. Nicky Hayden, Honda, 1:51.391
7. Alex Barros, Yamaha, 1:51.499
8. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 1:51.679
9. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 1:51.872
10. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha, 1:51.952
11. Max Biaggi, Honda, 1:51.994
12. Makoto Tamada, Honda, 1:52.033
13. Colin Edwards, Aprilia, 1:52.061
14. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki, 1:52.135
15. Marco Melandri, Yamaha, 1:52.164
16. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 1:52.324
17. John Hopkins, Suzuki, 1:52.337
18. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton, 1:52.919
19. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 1:52.945
20. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki, 1:53.278
21. Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 1:53.327
22. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton, 1:53.784
23. David De Gea, Harris WCM, 1:54.699
24. Chris Burns, Harris WCM, 1:56.612

250cc Grand Prix:

1. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 1:53.613
2. Sebastian Porto, Honda, 1:54.503
3. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:54.721
4. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:54.823
5. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:54.850
6. Manuel Poggiali, Aprilia, 1:54.962
7. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:55.218
8. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, 1:55.341
9. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:55.875
10. Anthony West, Aprilia, 1:56.349
11. Erwan Nigon, Aprilia, 1:56.418
12. Hugo Marchand, Aprilia, 1:56.432
13. Hector Faubel, Aprilia, 1:56.738
14. Johan Stigefelt, Aprilia, 1:56.975
15. Alex Baldolini, Aprilia, 1:57.003
16. Joan Olive, Aprilia, 1:57.349
17. Alex Debon, Honda, 1:57.360
18. Chaz Davies, Aprilia, 1:57.426
19. Christian Gemmel, Honda, 1:57.650
20. Dirk Heidolf, Aprilia, 1:57.796

24. Katja Poensgen, Honda, 2:00.493


125cc Grand Prix:

1. Hector Barbera, Aprilia, 1:58.480
2. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:58.524
3. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 1:58.664
4. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:58.805
5. Jorge Lorenzo, Derbi, 1:58.883
6. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 1:59.080
7. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 1:59.118
8. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 1:59.141
9. Gabor Talmacsi, Aprilia, 1:59.149
10. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 1:59.150
11. Thomas Luthi, Honda, 1:59.459
12. Marco Simoncelli, Aprilia, 1:59.459
13. Lucio Cecchinello, Aprilia, 1:59.545
14. Stefano Perugini, Aprilia, 1:59.799
15. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 1:59.817
16. Fabrizio Lai, Malaguti, 1:59.942
17. Alvaro Bautista, Aprilia, 2:00.041
18. Masao Azuma, Honda, 2:00.234
19. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 2:00.345
20. Robbin Harms, Aprilia, 2:00.398

23. Mika Kallio, KTM, 2:00.650
24. Youichi Ui, Gilera, 2:00.856

27. Roberto Locatelli, KTM, 2:01.046

30. Emilio Alazmora, Derbi, 2:01.690

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Attack Suzuki’s Josh Hayes drew one step closer to becoming the 2003 AMA Superstock Champion Friday at Barber Motorsports Park when he earned pole position for the final race of the series and the one bonus point that comes with it.

Hayes used “soft” Dunlop DOT-labeled tires on his Suzuki GSX-R750 to turn a 1:27.707 to best all riders and establish a new lap record for the class at Barber. But more importantly, Hayes extended his Championship lead from eight to nine points. This means that if Tommy Hayden, number two in the Superstock point standings, leads the most laps and wins Saturday’s Superstock race, Hayes can finish third and still win the Championship.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp made his bike better with set-up changes throughout the 30-minute qualifying session and finished with a 1:28.157 on his Michelin-shod Suzuki GSX-R750, second-fastest.

Team EMGO Taiwan’s Chris “Opie” Caylor used Pirelli’s DOT-labeled qualifying tires on his Suzuki GSX-R750 and a tow from Hayes to record a third-fastest 1:28.195.

Vincent Haskovec came back from a crash in practice Friday morning to claim the final spot on the front row with a 1:28.197 on his Pirelli-sponsored Hooters Suzuki GSX-R750.

Hayden got held up on his last, fast lap, ended with a 1:28.295 on his Dunlop-equipped, 636cc Kawasaki and will have to start Saturday’s 17-lap final from the fifth grid spot. Adam Fergusson, Brian Stokes and Jason DiSalvo will line up beside Hayden on the second row.

Haskovec, who is 20 points behind Hayes in the point standings, is the only other rider with a mathematical chance at winning the 2003 AMA Superstock Championship.

AMA Superstock Qualifying Results (all on Suzuki GSX-R750s unless noted):

1. Josh Hayes, 1:27.707
2. Steve Rapp, 1:28.157
3. Chris Caylor, 1:28.195
4. Vincent Hakovec, 1:28.197
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:28.295
6. Adam Fergusson, 1:28.465
7. Brian Stokes, 1:28.600
8. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.744
9. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:28.777
10. John Haner, 1:28.882
11. Mike Ciccotto, 1:29.213
12. Eric Wood, 1:29.419
13. Jake Holden, 1:29.705
14. James Ellison, 1:29.721
15. Lee Acree, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.923
16. Chris Ulrich, 1:30.051
17. David Weber, 1:30.067
18. Corey Eaton, 1:30.642
19. Jason Peters, 1:30.733
20. Danny Eslick, 1:30.874
21. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.877
22. Jeremy Toye, 1:30.976
23. Travis King, 1:31.442
24. Darren Luck, 1:31.821
25. Scott Jensen, 1:31.954
26. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.981
27. Matt McBride, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1;32.216
28. Chuck Ivey, 1:32.327
29. Tom Wertman, 1:32.383
30. Darin Edwards, 1:32.401
31. Marco Martinez, 1:32.461
32. J.J. Roetlin, 1:32.740
33. Arash Hoshmandy, 1:32.941
34. Logan Young, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.366
35. Nathan Hester, 1:33.455
36. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.938
37. John McGarity, 1:34.126
38. Taylor Knapp, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.247
39. N. Dressman, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.388
40. Joseph Dawson, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.502
41. James Stroud, Honda CBR600, 1:34.786
42. Chad Rolland, 1:34.909
43. Eric Haugo, 1:35.212
44. Scotty Van Scoik, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:35.595


More, from a press release issued by Marietta Motorsports:

CAYLOR AND STOKES EARN CAREER BEST QUALIFYING SPOTS FOR 750 SUPERSTOCK AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- 1-888-FASTLAP riders Opie Caylor and Brian Stokes rode to career best qualifying positions in the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series at Barber Motorsports Park on Friday, September 19, getting a great start to the season finale.

Caylor turned a fast lap of 1:28.197 on the 1-888-FASTLAP/Team EMGO Taiwan Suzuki GSX-R750 to qualify third. Caylor matched his best qualifying position ever in an AMA Pro Racing event after qualifying third at California Speedway earlier this season.

Caylor crashed in practice prior to Superstock qualifying. The bike glanced off a guardrail on the right side of the track and traveled to the left side of the track before falling over, but Caylor was uninjured and the damage to the bike was minimal.

“I went out in qualifying and was in tenth. I was pretty far back,” commented Caylor. “Then I came in for a soft tire and immediately went up to position four or five. I came in for another tire and went back out in the last few minutes. I caught Josh (Hayes) coming up the hill into turn three. I tucked in behind him. I got held up in the last couple of corners by some traffic but it turned out to be my fastest lap.”

Stokes qualified seventh with a fast time of 1:28.600 on the FREEWEBTOWN.COM/Team Embry Suzuki GSX-R750. Stokes’ previous best qualifying position in an AMA event was eighth, which he earned at Road Atlanta.

“I dropped a second and a half in qualifying,” commented Stokes. “Tomorrow I’m really going to go for it. It’s the last race of the year, and I want to prove that I’ll be at the front next season.”

This marks the third weekend in a row that Stokes has ridden at Barber Motorsports Park. He rode in a track day then competed in the WERA National event to earn extra practice time in preparation for the Superstock event.

The 750 Superstock race will be held on Saturday, September 20, following the Superbike and 250 GP races. The racing will get underway at 2:00 p.m. CDT.

More information about Caylor, Stokes and 1-888-FASTLAP can be found on the Internet at www.1888FASTLAP.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.191
2. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.496
3. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.652
4. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.043
5. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.739
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.867
7. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.900
8. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.417
9. Ty Howard, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.645
10. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.779
11. James Ellison, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.801
12. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.236
13. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.586
14. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR929RR, 1:32.744
15. Darin Edwards, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.302
16. Kevin Hanson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.001
17. Andrew Deatherage, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.683
18. Monte Nichols, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.691
19. David Bell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.742
20. Doug Duane, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.206

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s FIM 125cc Grand Prix Qualifying Results:

1. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:58.052
2. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 1:58.070
3. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 1:58.092
4. Gabor Talmacsi, Aprilia, 1:58.273
5. Jorge Lorenzo, Derbi, 1:58.352
6. Stefano Perugini, Aprilia, 1:58.614
7. Hector Barbera, Aprilia, 1:58.644
8. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 1:58.675
9. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:58.687
10. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 1:58.812
11. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 1:58.827
12. Thomas Luthi, Honda, 1:58.944
13. Lucio Cecchinello, Aprilia, 1:58.945
14. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 1:59.163
15. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 1:59.213

21. Roberto Locatelli, KTM, 2:00.247
22. Youichi Ui, Gilera, 2:00.515
23. Mika Kallio, KTM, 2:00.528

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP BONUS AWARDS PROGRAM EXPANDS

Yamaha joins Honda and KTM as OEM Supporters

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Yamaha is the latest manufacturer to post support for the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship by offering a generous bonus awards package. Yamaha joins Honda, KTM and a growing list of aftermarket companies in offering bonus awards and brings the total posted amount for the 2003 championship to nearly $400,000, including a $25,000 year-end championship bonus.

Riders competing in AMA Red Bull Supermoto events are eligible to earn bonus awards by using the products of the companies offering support. This money is in addition to the purse offered by the promoter of each event.

AMA Pro Racing Associate Director of Commercial Development, Chris Bradley, sees more and more companies expressing interest in the series. “Motorcycle industry companies are viewing the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship as a new marketing platform to expand awareness of their brands,” said Bradley. “The vision for AMA Supermoto is to expose motorcycle racing to broader, more diverse audiences, who are ultimately potential consumers.”

Bradley adds that as the sport establishes itself investment will continue. In only its first year of existence, AMA Supermoto has the support of high-profile brands such as Red Bull, the important backing from OEM and aftermarket companies, the commitment of many top riders in the country and a national television package from Outdoor Life Network.

The AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship launched at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on July 11-13. The six-race series will conclude in Las Vegas on Nov. 21, 2003. Round three of the series is set for Oct. 5 at PromoWest Pavilion in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The championship finale will be held in conjunction with the annual AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet. For more information about the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship, visit www.amaproracing.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s Provisional AMA Superbike Qualfiying Results:

1. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:26.073
2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:26.287
3. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC51, 1:26.744
4. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.771
5. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:26.900
6. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:26.976
7. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.498
8. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.975
9. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.032
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.283
11. Tom Kipp, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:29.306
12. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.506
13. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.567
14. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.722
15. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.920
16. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.027
17. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.135
18. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.148
19. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.669
20. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.873
21. Michael Sanchez, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.916
22. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.125
23. John Jacobi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.218
24. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.349
25. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.415
26. Mike Sullivan, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.451
27. Robert Christman, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.490
28. Tom Wertman, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.674
29. Marco Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.694
30. Dean Mizdal, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.818
31. Reuben Frankenfield, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.866
32. Chris Voelker, Ducati 996, 1:32.050
33. Kevin Hanson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.156
34. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR929RR, 1:32.289
35. Monte Nichols, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.438
36. Byron Barbour, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.448
37. Scott Carpenter, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.450
38. Troy Green, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.572
39. Andy Deatherage, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.578
40. Shawn Conrad, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.635
41. John McGarity, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.791
42. James Kerker, Honda CBR929RR, 1:32.825
43. Chuck Ivey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.848
44. Chris Greer, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.073
45. David Bell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.168
46. Rick Narup, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.174
47. Kevin Lehman, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:33.232
48. Doug Duane, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.507
49. Jason Knupp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.735
50. Brian Boyd, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.898
51. Scott Van Scoik, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:35.052
52. R. Todd Keesee, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:37.768


More, from a press release issued by Mat Mladin Motorsports:

MLADIN MAINTAINS THE PRESSURE DURING QUALIFYING FOR AMERICAN SUPERBIKE FINALE

Birmingham, Alabama, USA (Friday, 19 September) – Qualifying for the final round of this year’s AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship commenced today with Australian Mat Mladin emerging with the second fastest time around the Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama.

Chasing an unprecedented fourth American Superbike Championship this weekend, Mladin and his Yoshimura Suzuki team continued to work methodically through their pre-race program as they chase the optimum race set up for their Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike.

The championship point’s leader was the fastest rider during the morning’s opening practice session and was narrowly edged out of the top position for the afternoon’s opening qualifying session by teammate and main championship rival Aaron Yates.

Yates posted a best time of 1:26.073 around the 16-turn, 3.70km (2.3 miles) circuit, which has been bathed in sunshine throughout the day, while Mladin stopped the clocks with a 1:26.287. The provisional front row of the grid is occupied by Ben Bostrom (American Honda, 1:26.744) and Italian Giovanni Bussei (Ducati Austin, 1:26.771).

“It’s been a good day for us today,” said a relaxed Mladin. “Dunlop have brought out a few new tyres for us to try and we’ve just been sorting our way through them, with the hope of finding a race tyre that will be good for the weekend. The new tyres came about after we tested here a few weeks ago, so again it’s a positive sign that Dunlop are trying their best to give us a tyre that will do the job.”

“We just messed around with race set up and weren’t keeping too much of an eye on the clock and what the other guys were doing. Being such a new track, it’s very abrasive and hard on the tyres, especially the front, so we are just concentrating on getting a good package together.”

“I finished the afternoon session with about five minutes to go and wasn’t real sure where everyone finished. A few guys did say that they had used a softer tyre during the session, but for us we were happy with the work that we have done today.”

Thirty-one-year-old Mladin arrives at the final round of the year holding a 37-point lead in the championship over Yates. With two Superbike nationals left to run over the weekend, Mladin will be keeping an extra close eye on the performance of his teammate who he needs to maintain a points advantage over if he wants to become the first rider in AMA Superbike to win a fourth crown.

Qualifying for this weekend’s final double-header round concludes tomorrow morning, before the first of the two 28-lap races takes place later in the afternoon. The eighteenth and final AMA Superbike race of the season will then take place on Sunday afternoon.