Next Gen Motorsports BMW’s Glenn Allerton was the Friday pace-setter in Tassie. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

Two-time QBE Australian Superbike Champion Glenn Allerton continues to set the pace in Tasmania’s first point-scoring round of the 2013 title-chase at Symmons Plains.

Allerton rode his Next Gen Motorsports BMW HP4 to the provisional pole position in the lone 20-minute qualifying session, setting a 53.967s on his second flying lap.

Pirelli-shod Allerton struck with eight minutes remaining in the session after sitting out the first 12, forcing Team Suzuki’s Wayne Maxwell to settle for second with his 54.439s.

“We were very fast here at the test and we knew we could make Superpole quite easily,” Allerton said. “We wanted to conserve our tyres for the cool conditions tomorrow morning, so the plan was just to do two laps.

“The first one was pretty good, the second one I got into the back hairpin a bit hot, but it was enough to get the job done. I think we’ll have to go faster tomorrow to get the job done, but I’m really happy.”

Maxwell is well aware of Allerton’s early pace, but maintains that he’s still strategically working his way into the new season aboard the GSX-R1000.

“We’re still working through some stuff, trying some stuff, and we knew we would make the top 13 for Superpole,” Maxwell explained. “We’ll keep improving the bike, I’ll keep improving my riding and see how we go.

“This is a very strong track for Glenn, he has a boat of confidence, but it’s a long season and I’m in a new team. It’s just a matter of getting as many points as I can.”

Team Honda Racing’s Jamie Stauffer climbed to third in qualifying with a 54.614s, edging out Team Suzuki’s latest signing Robbie Bugden, who posted a 54.651s.

Racers Edge Performance Suzuki rider Beau Beaton completed the top five as leading privateer, ahead of fellow Suzuki-mounted CM Racing rider Chas Hern.

Allerton’s teammate Linden Magee, the reigning Prostock champion still aboard an S 1000 RR, slotted into seventh above Cube Racing’s Ben Henry, while rookie rising stars Josh Hook (Team Honda Racing) and Glenn Scott (InsureMyRide Racing) rounded out the top 10. All 10 lapped within two seconds of eachother.

Top Prostock runner was Ben Nicholson on a third Next Gen Motorsports BMW in 11th overall.

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