EMS Racing’s Craig Coxhell claimed eighth position and a second row start for the fourth round of the European Superstock championship at a scorching Misano today. It was a typically determined performance from the 22 year old Australian who had to learn the track and endure 32 degree temperatures before being able to set a competitive time onboard the EMS Racing Suzuki GSXR-1000.

During Friday’s free practice and qualifying, Coxhell was uncharacteristically off the pace and was left down in 19th position at the end of day one. It would have been easy for Craig and the team to lose focus but instead they worked long into the night to understand the problems they were having and find a much improved set-up for the EMS Racing Suzuki GSXR-1000 in time for the final qualifying session.

With only minutes to spare in final qualifying, Craig was able to up his pace considerably and drop into the 1m 39s second barrier and secure his place on the second row for the 15 lap Sunday race.

“We got the bike working in the end but I’m a bit disappointed with my lap time because it could have been better. It was so hot I knew that I was only going to get two or three laps on my tyre before it started to lose grip, but when I went out on track some of the other riders were trying to race me and holding me up. When I did finally get clear of them it was three laps later and the best of my tyre was gone. I managed to put in a couple of OK laps but I still got caught up with lapped traffic both times. That’s where I lost my time and I think that if I’d had a clear lap I could have been on the front row.” explained Craig.

“It’s my worst qualifying position this year but I’m not too worried. I think the heat is going to get to a few people tomorrow. It’s actually taken me a while to get myself used to the heat as I’ve been out of Australia for a while. Yesterday I felt really flat, but today has been much better and I’m confident I’ll feel fine tomorrow. I’m pretty optimistic for the race because I know I’ll get stronger as the race goes on where as I think some of the other guys will fade.” he continued.