Round 8 - MCE British Superbike Championship - Cadwell Park - Qualification
Current championship leader Josh Brookes headed into today's qualifying on top, having finished fastest in both of yesterdays free practice sessions. Where the Milwaukee Yamaha rider is undoubtedly hoping to keep his current momentum going, his closest rival and defending champion Shane Byrne will certainly be aiming to improve, having finished in a disappointing 10th place in both sessions.
Danny Buchan will be one to watch today, finishing in the 2nd spot twice yesterday he will be eager to make the most of the track that he evidently gets on so well with.
When the fans descended on the Lincolnshire track they were greeted with low cloud and poor visibility conditions, however before long the top of the mountain was visible once more and a scorchingly hot day was gifted to the thousands of MCE British Superbike fans.
In the mornings free practice Brookes once more topped the time sheet, despite a crash at the chicane in the final few moments of the session. Danny Buchan managed to retain the 2nd place position finishing only 0.015s behind the Australian. Tommy Bridewell made up the top three. Luke Mossey finished in 4th position and will certainly be hungry for another podium having gained his first ever in the Championship at Thruxton at the last round.
Lee Jackson joined Club MCE members in the glorious sunshine before qualifying to answer their questions as well as discuss his aspirations for the remainder of the season. Members were also treated to pillion rides and safety car laps around the magnificent circuit, able to get a taste of varied track, as well as tackle the mountain!
When qualification rolled around it was no surprise to see Josh Brookes finish in pole position, his consistency in the free practice sessions demonstrates that Cadwell Park is a circuit both he and the bike get along with. Danny Buchan will join Brookes on the front row tomorrow afternoon, with another impressive performance that kept Brookes on his toes and on the limit. Tommy Bridewell snatched third place from Luke Mossey in his final lap, with a fantastic battle between the two for that front row start.
John Hopkins crashed out in Q1, and despite having the time to make it into Q2 the bike was beyond repair and he will start tomorrow in 18th place. Shane 'Shakey' Byrne was pushed out of the top 10 by Jack Kennedy in the final stages of Q2, the rider will start tomorrow's race in 11th position. Peter Hickman finished in 5th, followed by McConnell, Laverty, Westmoreland and Jessopp. Kennedy makes up the top 10.
Brookes seems to be in control of this weekend so far, however the MCE BSB grid is diverse, ambitious and full of talent, therefore we have no doubt it will be another weekend to remember! Bring it on!
22.08.2015 - Big Ed
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