Great weather conditions saw the riders take to the gate, with the championship protagonists knowing that a good performance would be vital for optimal gate-pick, for tomorrow’s races.
Qualifying
Northern Ireland’s Mark Mclernon stormed from the gate into an early race lead ahead of the dicing duo at the top of the championship standings, Turrini and Walker. This fast, hard-packed track seemingly played to the strength of Mclernon as he defended his race lead with determination and might, with Turrini and Walker arguing over second position. Manfred Zienecker was doing himself no disgrace by latching onto the coattails of his main opposition in the championship, however, throughout the duration of the race, he would soon lose tabs on the trio at the sharp end of the field.
Joakim Granli was showing great promise in the early stages of the event, reaching as high as fifth position but, despite his efforts, both van Grinsven and Thomsen would relegate him to, what would become, seventh position. Throughout the mid-point of the event, Turrini still held onto second position ahead of the red-plate holder, however, a chink in the armour would see Walker slide past into second position – a move which would have certainly boosted the confidence of Walker as he has his first opportunity to clinch the title in tomorrow’s races.
Into the closing stages, and Mclernon was imperious at the head of the field, leading the charge, but it was no easy feat as Turrini and Walker were all over his rear wheels. Incidentally, such was the close nature of this race, that their fastest lap times were all within a quarter of a second of each other.
The chequered flag beckoned the arrival of the battling trio and, even going into the last lap, it was up-in-the-air as to who would come out on top! In the end, the Northern Irishman was greeted by the chequered flag first, ahead of the two title favourites of Walker and Turrini, and this would give him first gate pick for the racing action tomorrow. Walker would steal second from the reigning champion in the dying stages of the race, with Turrini completing the top 3.
Results:
- Mark Mclernon
- Harry Walker
- Patrick Turrini
- Manfred Zienecker
- Mike van Grinsven
By Bradley Hix
