Briggs Equipment NW200: Todd Pips Harrison To Provisional Superstock Pole

Pesky drops of rain delayed the start of the Superstock NW200 qualifier opener, with competition beginning at close to 1:35 PM.

Pre-event favourite Davey Todd, quickly took P1 on the live timing screens, following an opening flying lap of 4 minutes 22.964 seconds.

Todd’s third timed lap, saw him nudge nearer Alastair Seeley’s existing class lap record, having lapped at 4:20.942 seconds.

Closest to Todd at this stage of proceedings was Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison, only 0.583 down on the turn of speed set by his fellow countryman.

As we approached the sessions’ optimisation, Todd continued to occupy provisional pole followed by Harrison, Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop and WTF Racing’s James Hillier.

Whilst Milwaukee BMW’s Todd bagged provisional pole, Harrison (4.21.525) remained second quickest it was all change at Q1’s conclusion in terms of positions third to sixth.

25 times TT winner Dunlop (4.23.788) took third over Hickman whilst the battle for fifth fastest reigns went to John McGuinness MBE with 2013 Lightweight TT victor Hillier nudged back to sixth.

Attaining seventh to tenth speediest times were Adam McLean, impressive Triangle course returnee Michael Sweeney, Cookstown Grand Final winner Dominic Herbertson and Milenco by Padgetts Conor Cummins.

Bob Smith Spring Cup winner Michael Browne, getting to grips with the In Competition Aprilia placed a respectable 16th quickest.

Top NW200 newcomer honours went to 21st fastest overall, 2023 Senior Manx Grand Prix runner-up Marcus Simpson.

Photo credit: Derek Wilson, Allister Dickson – Startline Photography

Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou