In idealistic conditions, Superbike qualifying at Armoy quickly turned spectacular, tumultuous as Davey Todd entered a new level, pace wise at the ‘Race of Legends’.
Illustrating why he is now amongst International road racing’s elite, Todd aboard the Milenco by Padgetts Honda that has served him so well throughout 2022, lapped at 107.093 mph, equating timing wise to 1.41.116 seconds.
This is unofficially a new outright lap record, surpassing Michael Dunlop’s previous record time from 2021.
Soon post Todd’s record-breaking performance, Superbike Group A qualifying action was red-flagged following an oil spillage after problems for Magherafelt’s Paul Jordan.
Once 1000cc action resumed, Todd consolidated pole position for the Open Championship race, ahead of Super Twins pole sitter Derek Sheils (1.42.807).
Third, fourth quickest overall behind Todd, Sheils were the top Group B qualifying exponents, Irish Road Race Superbike Championship Michael Sweeney (1.44.362) and Market Rasen’s Phil Crowe (1.44.431).
Fifth, sixth fastest respectively were Michael Browne (1.44.500), the aforementioned Paul Jordan (1.45.309) whilst top 600cc mounted pilot was Adam McLean (1.47.011).
Wrapping up today’s ten fastest Open class racers were Graham Kennedy (1.47.671), top 250 runner Dominic Herbertson (1.47.718) and 2018 Junior Manx GP winner James Chawke (1.49.217).
Overall Armoy Open race qualifying result, reads as follows:
1 – Davey Todd – 1.41.116
2 – Derek Sheils – 1.42.807
3 – Michael Sweeney – 1.44.362
4 – Phil Crowe – 1.44.431
5 – Michael Browne – 1.44.500
6 – Paul Jordan – 1.45.309
7 – Adam McLean – 1.47.011
8 – Graham Kennedy – 1.47.671
9 – Dominic Herbertson – 1.47.718
10 – James Chawke – 1.49.217
11 – Jamie Coward – 1.49.377
12 – Neil Kernohan – 1.50.708
13 – Richard Charlton – 1.51.490
14 – Darryl Tweed – 1.51.711
15 – Julian Trummer – 1.52.497
16 – Forest Dunn – 1.52.758
17 – Jamie Williams – 1.53.128
18 – Stephen Tobin – 1.53.138
19 – Dave Bell – 1.53.317
20 – Stephen McKnight – 1.53.427
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou