Topeka: Team Foremost Pegram Racing Friday summary

PEGRAM AND DUCATI WIN SUPERPOLE IN KANSAS

Topeka, KS (July 31, 2009) -- Foremost Insurance Pegram Ducati pilot Larry Pegram won Superpole for the Heartland Park Topeka round of the AMA Pro American Superbike series on Friday. Pegram, mounted on a Ducati 1098R, set the quickest time in the one-lap shootout with a mark of 1:36.368 to top Aaron Yates, Jake Holden, and Ben Bostrom. The veteran racer Pegram put in a fantastic performance in the first day at a new circuit.

"I feel really good because I usually am not 100% satisfied after Superpole," said Pegram of his second career pole position. "I feel like I left some out there, but it was good enough to hold everyone else at bay. My guys have worked hard and it's a rejuvenation for me, being on a bike that can win races. I had some injuries earlier in the year and that held me back, but we've put everything together and things are going great for us. I usually wish I had an extra lap to improve after Superpole but I thought we did a good job with this lap. The track is going to have more passing opportunities that we had at Mid-Ohio but I really wanted the front row start here. I think it's important. We're looking forward to both races and having a great weekend."

Pegram was fourth in the basic qualifying session that set the Superpole order, so the Ohio native had to watch as three riders took a shot at his best lap. "I was a little nervous," said Larry.

Pegram and the Ducati 1098R will contest the 20-lap contests on both Saturday and Sunday.

-credit: tfpr