Smiths Triumph’s Graeme Gowland topped the combined Motorpoint British Supersport free practice time sheets after a 1’37.894 lap, under a tenth of a second outside of Ben Wilson’s lap record.
The Northumbrian came under considerable pressure for top spot, however, from his Aussie teammate, Billy McConnell. The Adelaide rider got to within 0.075 of a second but was unable to topple Gowland.
Mar-Train Yamaha’s Alastair Seeley took third quickest, three tenths adrift of the Smiths Triumph boys. The Ulsterman will without doubt have the International North West 200 playing on his mind this weekend. The Wee Wizard of Carrickfergus will be keen to add to his ten North West victories in a fortnights time.
Luke Stapleford got the better of his Profile Triumph teammate Luke Mossey with his last lap of the session. Stapleford was three tenths shy of provisional pole, whilst Mossey ended the session 1.018 seconds behind fellow Triumph rider, Gowland.
Appleyard Macadam Racing’s Jake Dixon posted his fastest ever lap time around the Oulton Park circuit to take him sixth quickest, ahead of Sam Hornsey and Brands Hatch race winner, Glenn Irwin. Irwin’s Gearlink colleague Luke Hedger has struggled today, however. The Superstock 600 champion completed just an outlap this morning and was over three seconds behind Gowland this afternoon.
Completing the top ten as the field head into qualifying tomorrow afternoon are Luke Jones and class rookie Callan Cooper.
