Arch fastest in first New York Qualifying

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Arch fastest in first New York Qualifying

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Arch fastest in first New York Qualifying

by Erik Kay, Jun 19, 2010

NEW YORK - Austria's Hannes Arch posted the fastest time in the first New York Red Bull Air Race Qualifying session on Saturday while championship leader Paul Bonhomme of Britain was a close second with Canada’s Pete McLeod a stunning third.

Arch, who has won three straight races, set a track record time of 1:08.18 in the 5.5-kilometer long circuit made up of 13 Air Gates. Bonhomme, who holds a shrinking two point lead at the top of the championship, was 0.80 seconds behind his Austrian rival and will try to beat him in the second Qualifying round later.

McLeod took an impressive third place in the first round set up on the Hudson River between New Jersey's Liberty State Park and New York City's breathtaking skyline. Britain's Nigel Lamb, the pre-race favorite in the turn-filled track, was a disappointing fourth.

American Kirby Chambliss was fifth while his compatriot, Michael Goulian, was seventh. Both Americans were more than four seconds off the pace ahead of Sunday's race.

“I'm looking for more smoothness in Qualifying 2,” Arch said. “I just hope that Paul is not as fast as I was just now. We'll see."

Bonhomme is eager to win the one championship point today and said he can fly faster: “There are a couple of corners I can take with tactical aggression so that will be the plan."