Smrz claims Utah superpole

28 May 2012 08:00:25

Czech Jakub Smrz defied Utah's wet weather to take his first superpole of the Superbike season on Sunday.

Despite some light rain, Smrz rode at full pace late on to take the prized starting spot for Monday's two races at the Miller Motorsports Park circuit.
 
The Liberty Racing Team Effenbert Ducati rider set a lap time of one minute 47.626 seconds in the last of the three sessions.
 
"I am very happy to take the pole because in all the practices we have been doing a good job and my bike has been perfectly prepared," Smrz said.

"I had a small crash in free practice but we got the bike back in time for Superpole and I am happy that we should have good pace for the races tomorrow."
 
Carlos Checa was second quickest after leading until Smrz's late push.
 
Tom Sykes of Kawasaki Racing Team was third, with Checa's team-mate Davide Giugliano completing the front row.
 
Jonathan Rea (Honda World Superbike Team) was fifth, Monza pole winner Sylvain Guintoli (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing) sixth, and Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing) seventh.
 
Ireland's Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing) managed eighth, despite not being able to set a final qualifying lap.