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Michael Dunlop gave BMW’s all new M1000RR steed it’s first Irish Road Race win, having triumphed in record breaking fashion within the Euro Autospares Limited Open race.
Third at the end of lap one, Dunlop slotted into second on lap 2 before taking the race lead on lap three.
Just 0.018 ahead of Derek Sheils as lap four beckoned, the 19 times TT winner by lap four had moved over 1.6 seconds clear.
Nearly four seconds ahead come the conclusion of lap five, lap six would see Synetiq BMW mounted Dunlop produce another unique moment of road racing history, as he bettered his own existing lap record, lapping at 1 minute 42.256 seconds.
Going onto take race spoils by just over 7.6 seconds, Dunlop had illustrated yet again why he is established amongst Irish Road Racing’s all time greats.
Taking the runner-up spot behind Armoy 2021 quadruple winner Dunlop was Roadhouse Macau backed Derek Sheils, who finished under 0.2 of a second in front of second Supersport race runner-up Derek McGee.
In contention throughout for the podium, Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship leader Michael Sweeney had to settle for fourth as Wilson Craig Racing’s Davey Todd occupied fifth.
Lead newcomer Phil Crowe hugely impressed on route to sixth, finishing ahead of renowned next generation talents Michael Browne, Paul Jordan, Junior Classics winner Dominic Herbertson and British Supersport points finisher Joe Loughlin.
Others to register creditable finishes included Richard Charlton (12th), James Chawke (13th), Cornwall’s Forest Dunn (14th) and Graham Kennedy (15th).
Photo credit: Rod Neill/Tommy Vennard
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
