Collins claims pole at Winton

It’s no secret that 17 year old Ted Collins (NextGen Motorsport, Suzuki GSX-R600) is a tour-de-force at Winton Motor Raceway this season, claiming pole position, he continued his charge up the timesheets during today’s all important qualifying sessions ahead of tomorrow’s Motul Supersport races at 13 laps apiece for the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli.

This morning’s Qualifying session (Q1) saw Collins post a class best of 1:23.545 and his fastest speed recorded through the traps at 217kph. However, it was only Mark Chiodo (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) who could top that, averaging 3kph more on the straights. Chiodo missed on pole position by the narrowest of margins to Collins.

“Its our first pole position in Australian Supersport and we are super happy with that! We had great testing, practice and qualifying sessions here at Winton Motor Raceway. I’m pretty happy and confident in our race pace overall, so I’m really looking forward to getting out there on track tomorrow! I plan on getting out off the line nice and cleanly to stay infront of the pack and push really hard for thirteen laps.” He said.

Collins was relieved to keep his hard earned results going this weekend as he stood on the first place mat of the podium, he said; “The bike itself is the biggest part of the racing puzzle and for it to be this good, I really just have to thank the team so much. The Traction Control Suspension worked really well around the track here, and the Pirelli tyres just stuck like glue the whole way around. The team and I are just so excited to be on pole ahead of tomorrow’s race!” The young gun from Victoria finished.

Mark Chiodo was the man with a plan in Qualifying today, content in a safe second place ahead of Race One, saying; “It was tough with the amount of traffic out there today, but its definitely the same for everyone. You have to pick your points to move in these sessions, I got lucky on lap two. Step by step we have been moving closer to Ted’s times, and I’m sure that if we had another session with clear traffic we’d be right there with him, so I’m not too fussed heading into the race! Race distance won’t allow for times as quick as that though, and I am comfortable with the pace we have around Winton. The Triumph does have slightly longer legs on the straights than some of the other Supersport bikes which I’m sure helps a bit! Its a mixture of me and the bike. The guys have the Daytona tuned up really well and it definitely has some power!” He ended.

Sam Lambert (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6) was the man to crack third place by a whisker, with only +0.076 off equalling Chiodo. Lambert shared; “It’s just so great to be out there on the track after being away since Phillip Island. Scotty from Edge Competition has got the bike to handle really well after a few changes that has resulted in me standing here on the Qualifying podium. We tried a lot of new settings on the bike as it is a ‘loner’ from my sponsor, Addicted to Track until the new model Yamaha R6 comes out. I’ve only had this one since the end of March, so I haven’t had much time on it at all.” The man from the Northern Territory surmised.

Race One of the Motul Supersport class is scheduled for 10.10am.

Motul Supersport Qualifying Results
1          Ted COLLINS (NextGen Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R600) 1:23.545
2          Mark CHIODO (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R)          1:23.901
3          Sam LAMBERT (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6)       1:23.977
4          Chris QUINN (Coopers HXR, Yamaha YZF-R6)                 1:24.469
5          Mason COOTE (Aark Racing, Yamaha YZF-R6)                 1:24.602
6          Sam MULDOON (Proworx Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R)         1:24.715
7          Nic LIMINTON (Race Center, YZF-R6)                               1:24.765
8          Sam CONDON (Bikebiz, Yamaha YZF-R6)                         1:24.925
9          Tom TOPARIS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R)                  1:25.044
10        Cambridge OLIVIER (Sydney West Riders, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:25.269

2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:
Round 3    Spokes.com.au presents Winton Motor Raceway, VIC    28-30 April
Round 4                                           Hidden Valley Raceway,     NT    7-9  July          
Round 5                                           Morgan Park Raceway,      QLD 25-27 August
Round 6                                           SMSP Eastern Creek,        NSW  8-10 September  
Round 7    Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit,    VIC 6-8  October

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Photo courtesy of Keith Muir. Ted Collins at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway.