Burkhart Takes Pole
Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Mark Burkhart claimed the pole position for Round 5 of the AMA Supermoto races at Waterford Hills in Clarkston, MI by posting the fastest lap in Superpole.
The Ohioan registered a flying lap more than a second quicker than his nearest rival, Troy Lee Designs Honda’s Chris Fillmore (1:13.608 vs. 1:14.845).
KTM Racers Jurgen Kunzel and Kurt Nicoll lined up on the second row. Kunzel just missed the front by .1 a second and Nicoll, fighting a stomach flu, took the outside post in 8th.
Despite his ultimate advantage, Burkhart later admitted that the lap was far from perfect. “I screwed up in a couple places but I made up for it in some others and I came out on top. I got through the first dirt section really well and I think that helped a lot.”
Asked about his approach to the single flying-lap qualifying procedure, Burkhart commented, “It all depends. Where you start here really doesn’t matter so I just went for it. The first turn isn’t too sharp or anything so as long as you’re on the front row you’re in a decent position. Sometimes I’m more cautious to make sure I don’t drop down any spots.”
Fillmore’s teammate Jeff Ward will get the third pick of the front row starting positions after clocking a 1:15.110. He edged his primary rival, Burkhart’s Graves Motorsports Yamaha teammate, Doug Henry, who made his way around the Waterford Hills Supermoto circuit in a time of 1:15.472 to finish Superpole in fourth.
AMA Pro Racing Press Release
By Chris Martin & Larry Lawrence
Photo: amasupermoto.com
