MCNEWS.COM.AU - The ultimate in motorcycle news FIM Superstock 2006 - Round One - Valencia - Qualifying 2 - Beowulf Racing (Nick Henderson)
April 22nd, 2006
 MCNEWS.COM.AU - The ultimate in motorcycle news

“We’re on for the race tomorrow!” was the verdict of Beowulf Racing team boss Andy Stone at the end of the second qualifying session for tomorrow's opening round of the 2006 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup held at the Valencia circuit in Spain. Rider Nick Henderson (Suzuki) knocked almost a second from his lap times yesterday to qualify in 24th place with a time of 1:41.677. Spaniard Ivan Silva (Kawasaki) heads the field with a pole-setting lap of 1:39.194.

With the rain predicted to fall on Sunday arriving a day early, the team made the decision to skip this morning’s shower-laden free practice session. It proved to be a wise choice: there were 7 crashes in total and the session had to be temporarily halted when Italian Guiseppe Cedroni fell from his Honda.

The 25-minute qualifying session in the afternoon was held in overcast but dry conditions. The team ran Henderson’s machine with slightly different tyre pressures than before which the Australian ace reported improved the handling significantly. A lengthy pit-stop was made at the half-way point to undertake further adjustments and allowed Henderson to slam in his fastest lap at the very end of the session.

“I’m feeling confident about the race tomorrow” said Nick afterwards.
“The handling of the bike is a lot better and the Suzuki can get off the line like lightning. As long as I make a good start I should have no worries mixing it with the pack.” Smiling, he continued “Some of the other guys seem to be fairly inconsistent in the lines they take around the corners, so hopefully I should be able to put that to my advantage in the race too.”

FIM SUPERSTOCK 1000 CUP, RD 1 VALENCIA
Final Combined Qualifying Times
1. Ivan Silva (Esp) Kawasaki 1:39.194
2. Luca Scassa (Ita) MV Augusta 1:39.286
3. Allessandro Polita (Ita) Suzuki 1:39.449
24. Nick Henderson (Aus) Suzuki 1.41.677
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