Front-row start for hard charging Jones

Luke Jones, aboard his MAP Raceways Yamaha, has qualified in second place for the final round of the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship at Oulton Park in Cheshire this afternoon.

The Superstock riders had two difficult qualifying sessions with the weather taking over. The grid will be set from first qualifying as no-one was able to go faster in the second session thanks to overnight rain leaving the track cold and damp.

Jones said: “It was a shame about the weather yesterday, I was really lucky to get a good lap in. I know I could have gone faster so I’m gutted that the track is wet today. We don’t get a morning warm-up so this is our last time on the bike before we race, which isn’t ideal. I’m happy with my MAP Raceways Yamaha as it is going really well. I’d like a podium finish and with a front-row start it should be possible - I just need to stay out of trouble on the first few laps.”

Nikki Coates was also caught out with the conditions but, unlike his team-mate, he didn’t get the lap time he had hoped for and qualified in 12th place.

Coates said: “Yesterday we made some changes after free practice and when I went out in first qualifying I was happy with them. I came into pits to prepare for the end of the session and really pushing for a time but as I went out it started to rain. I know I’m faster than 12th so a top five would be good as I’m starting from the third row of the grid.”

There is a new member of the MAP Raceways Junior Superstock team this weekend and that is South African Dylan White, who qualified in 28th position.

White said: “I just went out in that session to get my lines right as it is my first time here. Oulton is very different to anything we have in South Africa and I’ve been told it is one of the hardest to learn. I’ve been getting help from the other riders as it is a steep learning curve.”

Mike McLean qualified in 35th position but has decided not to continue with the race weekend due to the shoulder injury he sustained at Silverstone. McLean high-sided at the start of the Metzeler National Superstock race and damaged ligaments in his shoulder.
McLean said: “I’ve got my shoulder strapped up but it is too painful. I tried that session but I only did an out lap and that was enough. I’ll have to bow out of this weekend and let my shoulder recover.”

Cody Nally was unable to take part in qualifying due to a heavy crash last weekend at Mondello Park in Ireland. He sustained a blow to the head and has been suffering from headaches. Following a visit to the medical centre he was advised not to continue racing this weekend.

Qualifying results

1. Ashley Midwood Yamaha 1:43.147
2. Luke Jones MAP Raceways Yamaha 1:43.739
3. Luke Mossey Yamaha 1:43.785
4. John Simpson Triumph 1:43.817
5. Patrick McDougall Yamaha 1:44.097
6. Freddie Russo Yamaha 1:44.127
7. Daniel Kneen Honda 1:44.172
8. Jesse Trayler Kawasaki 1:44.259
9. Matt Bilton Yamaha 1:44.311
10. Bruce Winfield Yamaha 1:44.378
12. Nikki Coates MAP Raceways Yamaha 1:44.390
28. Dylan White MAP Raceways Yamaha 1:46.236
35. Mike McLean MAP Raceways Yamaha 1:46.935

Image Provided By Dave Couldwell