Matt Smith rode to his first No. 1 qualifying position of the season, 24th of his career and second at Chicago in Pro Stock Motorcycle as no one was able to better his Friday track record time of 6.842 at 195.51. It was his first No. 1 in well over a year, since Gainesville 2015.
“It feels good to be back up top,” Smith said. “We know we have a top four or five bike. Luckily we got in the running and got the top spot yesterday. We almost were quickest today. The bike is running good and is consistent. Hopefully we can turn on some win lights tomorrow. We need to get Victory their first win.”
He opens eliminations on his Victory Gunner against former teammate Michael Ray as he tries to win at this track for the first time after posting three previous runner-up finishes.
“I like this place, this track has a lot of teeth to it,” Smith added. “The facility is just awesome. We’ve always done good here and hopefully we can parlay that into a final round tomorrow.”
Points leader Eddie Krawiec moved to second in the final qualifying order on his Vance & Hines Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson with a 6.845 at 193.93 and he will race Michael Phillips in the opener. Two-time world champ and recent Englishtown winner Angelle Sampey will start third on her Star Racing Buell with a 6.853 at 195.59 and will meet Jim Underdahl in the opener.
