By * Super Twins rostrum finisher in 2022, Pierre Yves Bian isn’t tackling the latest NW200 extravaganza,
having broken his collarbone in a training incident. The amiable Frenchman hopes to be fit for the TT Races.
* Machine issues have thwarted the remainder of Lukas Maurer’s NW200 venture. The Swiss ace is planning to participate in this weekend’s IRRC season opener at Hengelo.
* Richard Cooper is now equal on NW200 victories with Michael Dunlop, Ryan Farquhar, Ian Simpson, Mick Grant to name but a few. Cooper’s Supersport triumph last night, was his fifth Triangle course success.
* The Boyce Precision Engineering/Russell Racing team were also on top in the Supersport speed trap standings, with Cooper, Michael Browne going through at 180.5, 184.5 mph.
* Second from the Amici Ristorante Superstock race, Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison issued a strong dose of confidence afterwards.
“I am happy, very happy with the pace with the Superstock Fireblade. The bike has been going well, Davey (Todd) is riding well and so to come here and be right there with him is great.
I wanted to get on the podium for the team to say thank you, these lads have worked so hard all year in the background with all the things that have been going on behind the scenes that people don’t see, so this is credit to them and a big thank you for all their hard work.
The first race was a little frustrating as I really think we could’ve had another podium. I lined up a move on Michael into Mathers and then made it stick but then I missed a gear on the way out and he got me back and Hicky came through too.
I think there is more to come, this is a new bike and a new project for me so the potential at this stage is great to see and it certainly bodes well looking forward. We get to do it all again on Saturday.”
* Speed trap leader in Thursday evening’s stock 1000 race-stint was sixth place finisher Erno Kostamo (202.8 mph).
* Fourteen riders were recorded as topping 200 mph during the Briggs Equipment Superbike race.
* Barry Furber led the Kawasaki challenge in the Fraser Homes Supersport race, finishing fifteenth.
* Just eight nations are set to represented in tomorrow’s Super Twin races.
* Famous faces attending yesterday included Jonathan Rea, Tom Booth Amos, Eddie Laycock, Alan Irwin, Rhys Irwin and Jack Kennedy.
Quotes courtesy of Honda Racing UK press team.
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
