By Post the turbulent times recently endured, it is a great pleasure to write about the Ulster Superbike Championship season opener at Bishopscourt.
Top pure roads craftsmen competing today included fastest Oliver’s Mount Scarborough newcomer of this decade thus far, BE/RK Racing’s Michael Browne.
Having his first race outings aboard the ex Ian Hutchinson, TAS Racing M1000RR BMW, the Irish Road Race Supersport Champion vaulted to second, third place finishes within the Sam McBride Cup Superbike races.
The opening premier class encounter would see fourth quickest in qualifying Browne, secure a new personal best lap time around the Bishopscourt National circuit, lapping sub 1 minute 08.5 seconds (1.08.449).
In terms of middleweight Supersport class competition, luck deserted the Cork rider in the final Ashvale Engineering Cup race, having endured a low-side incident whilst zoning in on victory spoils.
Browne’s misfortune enabled multiple North West 200 winner Christian Elkin, to record a second 600cc top three finish.
Barry Davidson, Jonathan Watt enjoyed yesteryear class successes, Faraldo Racing’s Darragh Crean sprinted to Super Twins rostrum finishes whilst Damian Horan, James Chawke, Liam Chawke all illustrated solid pre Irish roads season form.
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
