One factory Superbike rider wondered if the Superstock riders might outqualify the Superbike boys at PPIR. In the morning sessions, the 'Stock class was indeed faster than Superbike (with DiSalvo's best of 55.201 quicker than Mladin's 55.395).

Since Vincent Haskovec's Daytona win for Pirelli, the 'Stock boys have had 'Q 'tires at their disposal. The Superbike riders are limited to a softer race tire rather than a real qualifier.

DiSalvo dropped the hammer on a 54.613 in his qualifying session. The Superbikes go out later this afternoon.

Ducati has a freezer in pit lane at PPIR. Although it might be ideal for keeping a steady supply of cold beer for the crew, the real reason is to keep the fuel for the 999 cool. It's already hot in Colorado. Other teams -- like Suzuki -- are using the reflective covers over their fuel tanks whenever the bikes are not being ridden in anger.

PPIR is the shortest lap on the tour at under a minute per lap. Backmarkers are a huge issue for the race, with some riders getting lapped numerous times in the 48 circuits of the Superbike race. This year, the AMA says they might black flag anyone lapped multiple times.

Mat Mladin has yet to win at Pikes Peak. This is the only stop currently on the tour Mladin hasn't won yet.

Dunlop has three rears available for the Superbike racers at PPIR, two multi-compounds and one single compound. Pikes grinds up the left hand side of the tire and might be the toughest track on tires in the US.

This weekend, the Supersport race will be live on Speed and the Superbike race will be tape delayed. That led one team manager to ask, "Now which one is the premier class anyway?"

From the "No, we're not joking" dept. —Due to water seepage on the track, the PPIR staff used tampons to absorb water that was rising through the surface. The feminine hygiene products were stuffed into holes drilled into the pavement and changed between sessions.