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TOOELE VALLEY — Jakub Smrz of the Czech Republic, riding the No. 96 Ducati 1098R for Liberty Racing Team Effenbert, recorded the fastest lap in Saturday's qualifying practice for the FIM Superbike World Championship, the featured event of the BigM Weekend at Miller Motorsports Park.
Following a wet morning practice session in which he was also fastest, Smrz sailed to the top of the timing sheets in a dry qualifying practice with a lap at 1:49.842. Defending World Champion Carlos Checa of Spain, who won both races at Miller Motorsports Park last year and in 2008, was second-fastest on his No. 7 Althea Racing Ducati, just 0.070sec in arrears at 1:49.912. Italy's Marco Melandri, riding the No. 33 BMW S1000 RR for BMW Motorrad Motorsport, was third-fastest at 1:50.038. Rounding out the top five were Max Biaggi (No. 3 Aprilia RSV4 Factory) and Checa's teammate Davide Guigliano (No. 34 Ducati 1098R).
In the first of two qualifying sessions for the AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Championship, two-time and defending series champ Josh Hayes was the man to beat, posting a lap at 1:51.046 on his No. 1 Monster Energy Graves Yamaha R1. Roger Hayden was second-fastest at 1:51.514 on his No. 54 National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX- R1000, with teammate Ben Bostrom third at 1:51.954 on his No. 23 Jordan Suzuki. Blake Young (No. 79 Suzuki GSX- R1000) and Larry Pegram (No. 79 BMW S1000 RR) completed the top five fastest riders.
Youngster Benny Solis was fastest in the in first qualifying for the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike series, clocking in at 1:56.201 on his No. 20 Kneedraggers.com/Triple Crown Industries Yamaha YZF-R6. Colombia's Martin Cardenas, the 2010 series champion and three-time 2012 race winner, was second at 1:56.252 on his No. 36 Geico Suzuki GSX-R600, followed by Jason DiSalvo on the No. 40 Team Latus Motors Racing Triumph Daytona 675 at 1:56.584. Tommy Hayden (No. 8 YES/Graves Yamaha) and Dane Westby (No. 5 M4/Lucas Oil Suzuki) were fourth- and fifth- fastest, respectively.
Hayden Gillim, riding the No. 69 Road Race Factory Yamaha YZF-R6, was the man to beat in qualifying practice for the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport series, lapping the 3.048 Outer Course at MMP at 1:59.002. Defending champ James Rispoli was second at 1:59.326 on his No. 1 Celtic Racing Suzuki GSX-R600, with Dustin Dominguez third at 1:59.352 on his No. 68 Castrol/GE Capital Triumph Daytona 675.
In the first qualifying session for the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series, Tyler O'Hara's 2:10.281 lap bested Michael Barnes (2:11.265) and Kyle Wyman (2:12.066).
The BigM Weekend continues tomorrow. There will be second qualifying sessions for all four AMA Pro Racing series and races for the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike and Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport series. The FIM Superbike World Championship will have a final qualifying practice before their unique, knockout-style Superpole session. The two feature races for the Superbike World Championship and single races for the AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike and Vance & Hines XR1200 series will take place on Memorial Day Monday.
A big part of the weekend is "The Quest for 200." It is anticipated that, this year, a World Superbike rider will surpass 200 mph on Miller Motorsports Park's 3,500-foot front straightaway for the first time. Should that happen, it will make Miller Motorsports Park the fastest natural- terrain road racing circuit in America. In today's Qualifying Practice for the FIM Superbike World Championship, Michele Fabrizio set the fastest speed at 191 mph on his No. 84 BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet BMW S1000RR, but he only achieved the 13th fastest lap.
As is fitting on Memorial Day weekend, America's armed forces are being featured, with a Tribute Field of 2,012 American flags erected in the track's infield and the Zions Bank Military Acre featuring interactive displays from all branches of the armed forces. The United States Marine Corps color guard will present the colors during the opening ceremonies on Monday, prior to a flyover of an F-16 Fighter Jet, a combined effort by the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill Air Force Base. Colonel Sarah Zabel, Commander of the 75th Air Base Wing at Hill Air Force Base, will offer comments during opening ceremonies and the National Anthem will be performed by the 23rd Army Band. All current and veteran military members are eligible for a 50-percent discount on event tickets, this weekend and every weekend.
In addition, there are a myriad of activities for families to enjoy, including karting at the Miller Kart Track, rides on MMP's Zip Line, 2-up rides on the racetrack from the Yamaha Champions Riding School, Ford Raptor rides on MMP's off-road desert course, thrill rides in Dodge Chargers and Challengers, pit walks, vendors, non-stop entertainment from local bands and performing groups in the paddock, stunt bike demonstrations and plenty of good food.
Tickets for the event are priced at $40 for General Admission and $50 for Grandstand Seating on Sunday and Monday. Tickets for kids aged 6-12 are priced at $5 for General Admission and $10 for Grandstand Seating all three days. Kids aged 5 and under are admitted free of charge.
To obtain tickets for or information about The BigM Weekend presented by Lucas Oil, visit the track's website at www.MillerMotorsportsPark.com or call 435-277-RACE (7223).
(Photo Caption: Jakub Smrz of the Czech Republic, riding the No. 96 Ducati 1098R for Liberty Racing Team Effenbert, recorded the fastest lap in Saturday's qualifying practice for the FIM Superbike World Championship, the featured event of the BigM Weekend at Miller Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy Miller Motorsports Park / Jeremy Henrie)
