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2006 Australian Superbike
Championship (YMF Loan) - Round Four - Queensland Raceway July 7th, 2006 |
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2006 Australian Superbike
Championship (YMF Loan) - Round Four - Queensland Raceway July 7th, 2006 |
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Day 1 Report
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| Honda privateer Russell
Holland has picked up where he left off when the YMF Loan
Australian Superbike Championship last took to the track,
setting the fastest lap time on a sunny opening day of round
four of the championship at Queensland Raceway, Ipswich. He struggled to perfect a quick lap around the ‘Paperclip’ in the first practice session, but came out firing this afternoon, climbing from 6th to 1st with the day’s quickest time of 1.10.088s. The Mallala round winner was both pleased and surprised with the effort, and said it would require a large effort for tomorrow’s all important qualifying session to stay on top. “I’m pretty happy with today’s result and to be honest quite surprised, I was finding the track extremely bumpy in areas so to take the quickest time in the combined sessions is really encouraging,” said Holland. “I eased myself into the opening session and just took some time to get comfortable and it paid off.” “There are definitely gains to be made, and I will work tonight with the team to ensure that the bike is perfect for qualifying, as I know there are a number of quick riders very close behind.” “At the halfway mark of this year’s season we’re in a really competitive position, which is pleasing for myself and the team as well as our dedicated sponsors who offer so much support.” The distinctive yellow Robern Racing CBR RR was one of four Superbikes to lap the 3.12km circuit in the 1 minute 10 second bracket. The Yamaha Racing Team’s Jamie Stauffer, Joe Rocket Honda’s Adam Fergusson and Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s Robbie Bugden kept close watch in positions 2, 3 and 4 respectively behind Holland. 17-year-old Gold Coast Superbike rookie Cole Odendaal put in a solid effort at his home circuit, finishing just shy of the top 10 riders. Amazingly, Odendaal has to balance his riding commitments with his final year at high school, and is handling the pressure of racing against the top names in the country very well. “Today was pretty encouraging, I know Queensland Raceway quite well but it takes a lot to get the setup right here and I think we’re pretty close,” said Odendaal. “I think a top 10 finish for the weekend is definitely possible and I know I have the support of a hard working team behind me.” Jason O’Halloran kept the Yamaha Racing Team’s command of the YMF Loan Australian Supersport Championship alive, with an impressive run recording fastest times across both the day’s practice session. Yamaha dominated 600cc class proceedings throughout the day, with satellite rider Shaun Geronimi keeping the factory team honest, laying down the next quickest time. Geronimi also sits second in the championship. Dual class championship leader Jamie Stauffer was unable to make inroads today and had to settle for the minor placings, but is sure to be strong in qualifying and race trim. Tomorrow’s on-track action features qualifying for the headline classes as well as the opening race for the supports, including 125’s, Pro Twins, Superstock and Formula Xtreme. Grid positions will then be determined for Sunday’s all important races. YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championship Round 4 – Combined Practice. 1. Russell HOLLAND (NSW) / Robern Racing Honda / Pirelli Tyres Honda CBR RR 1:10.088 2. Jamie STAUFFER (NSW) / Yamaha Racing Team Yamaha R1 1:10.246 3. Adam FERGUSSON (VIC) / Joe Rocket Honda Honda CBR RR 1:10.709 4. Robert BUGDEN (QLD) / Team Yoshimura Suzuki Suzuki GSXR 1:10.899 5. Daniel STAUFFER (NSW) / Yamaha Racing Team Yamaha R1 1:11.269 6. Glenn ALLERTON (NSW) / Joe Rocket Honda / Honda Australia Honda CBR RR 1:11.440 7. Shannon JOHNSON (VIC) / Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R 1:11.582 8. Wayne MAXWELL (NSW) / Floyd Parkes Kawasaki / Michelin Kawasaki ZX10R 1:11.682 9. Joshua WATERS (VIC) / Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R 1:11.918 10. Scott CHARLTON (VIC) / Tarmac Civil Constructions Yamaha R1 1:12.300 |
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2006 Australian Superbike Championship (YMF Loan) - Round Four - Queensland Raceway |
