Luke Stapleford kicked off the Donington Park weekend by powering to the top of the times in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship free practice sessions today to head off the late determined challenge from Luke Mossey.

The two Profile Triumph riders were strongest in the afternoon session with Stapleford leading Mossey by just 0.078s despite a determined final lap from the second place contender.

Series leader Billy McConnell had set the pace in the morning session aboard his Smiths Triumph, but the Australian could only set the ninth fastest time this afternoon. However his team-mate and title rival Graeme Gowland was third fastest as he prepares to try and regain the lead in the championship. However Alastair Seeley has work to do, running his Martrain Yamaha a second down in seventh place.

Glenn Irwin, the winner last time out for Gearlink Kawasaki, had a strong start in sixth position but he was edged out of the top five by his team-mate Luke Hedger and Tyco Suzuki's Taylor Mackenzie who set the fourth fastest time at his home round.

Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, Donington Park, free practice one:

1: Billy McConnell (Smiths Triumph) 1m 32.350s
2: Graeme Gowland (Smiths Triumph) +0.341s
3: Luke Mossey (Techcare Profile Triumph) +0.348s
4: Luke Stapelford (Profile Triumph) +0.385s
5: Glenn Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) +0.386s

Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, Donington Park, free practice two:

1: Luke Stapleford (Profile Triumph) 1m 31.627s
2: Luke Mossey (Techcare Profile Triumph) +0.078s
3: Graeme Gowland (Smiths Triumph) +0.600s
4: Taylor Mackenzie (Tyco Suzuki) +0.758s
5: Luke Hedger (Gearlink Kawasaki) +0.822s


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