Mark Chiodo (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) has trumped the competition and soared to a Hidden Valley Raceway Motul Supersport pole position
Chiodo showcased sensational speed during Qualifying Two to take a well-deserved first place grid slot by setting a lap record for his class.
Chiodo posted a time of 1:08.715 to edge out rival Tom Toparis (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R) who missed out on pole by approximately two tenths of a second, with his time of 1:08.928.
The pole position looked likely to be achieved by Toparis, after he took provisional pole back in Qualifying One and dominated Friday’s practice sessions. Chiodo managed to leave just enough pace in reserve after being disappointed with his Qualifying One time to lay it on the line for a sensational fastest qualifying lap.
Ted Collins (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600) maintained his position of third overall from Friday’s practice sessions. The Motul Supersport Championship leader hasn’t looked quite as dominant as he was back at Winton Motor Raceway but the young talent has to be considered a significant chance for victories tomorrow nonetheless. Collins’ fastest lap was a 1:09.015.
Sam Lambert (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6) utilised his home ground advantage at Hidden Valley Raceway to qualifying an impressive fourth in class. Lambert’s time was a 1:09.204. Lambert set his faster lap time in Qualifying One.
Completing the top five was the determined Sam Muldoon (Proworx Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R). The rider from Bathurst looks well on track to achieve a great result after hovering close to the top five for the majority of the sessions so far. His fastest time was a 1:09.330.
Quotes from the Riders:
Mark Chiodo: “It’s great to be back on pole, we left pace in reserve back in Qualifying One. I definitely thought I could be up the front again today and the result has proven that. We put it all on the line to get the pole today.”
Tom Toparis: “I feel really good, it’s a shame not to get pole but it’s still a great result. Hidden Valley Raceway has a long run down to the first corner so there could be an opportunity to get back in the lead there. It’s a positive outcome to be fighting back towards the front. I’m definitely keen for tomorrow’s race and I’m hoping to keep up our strong pace on Sunday!”
Ted Collins: “I felt really good, the NextGen Motorsports and Traction Control Suspension Team gave me a really good bike to ride. I didn’t feel quite as strong as I did in the second session as opposed to the first but I’m really happy overall. The top six are extremely close.
Be sure to attend Hidden Valley Raceway tomorrow to see if Chiodo can claim victories! Race One will take place at 10.20 AM (ACST) while Race Two will be on at (2:15 PM). Each race will consist of 14 laps.
Motul Supersport Provisional Friday Practice Results
1 Mark CHIODO (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) 1:08.715
2 Tom TOPARIS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R) 1:08.928
3 Ted COLLINS (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600)1:09.015
4 Sam LAMBERT (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.204
5 Sam MULDOON (Proworx Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R) 1:09.330
6 Damon REES (Tony Rees Motorcycles, Honda CB600RR)1:09.408
7 Chris QUINN (Coopers HXR Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.531
8 Mason COOTE (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.804
9 Sam CONDON (Bikebiz, Yamaha YZF R6) 1:09.880
10 Nic LIMINTON (Race Center, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.888
Tickets for Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin are now available for purchase online. Snap up your tickets today by clicking here!
Can’t make it to the track? Then make sure you watch the ASBK, Sunday on channel SBS at 2:30 PM AEST or Live Stream on asbk.com.au from 10:30 AM AEST.