Patchy was one word to describe conditions greeting competitors, for the Supersport A race at Cookstown.
Fresh from a commanding 125/Moto 3 race triumph, BE/RK Racing’s Michael Browne lined up on pole position ahead of fellow Michael’s, Sweeney and Dunlop.
During the warm-up lap, red flags unfortunately popped up around the Orritor Circuit after an incident involving Wilson Craig Racing’s Matt Rees.
Post a short delay, swiftest out of the blocks within the race re-start was pole sitter Browne, followed by the Ballymoney duo of Darryl Tweed and 21 times TT winner Dunlop.
By lap three, Supersport TT lap record holder Dunlop had jumped up to second but then red flags arose again as aforementioned Skerries ace Sweeney, slipped off, escaping injury.
With organisers electing not to re-start the race, reigning Irish Road Race Supersport Champion Browne was declared race victor in front of Dunlop.
At present positions third-tenth, according to live timing, go the following:
2019 Duke Road Race Rankings Champion Sweeney (3rd), twice Manx GP winner Tweed (4th), Graham Kennedy (5th).
Keelim Ryan (6th), James Chawke (7th), Darryl Anderson (8th), Stephen Tobin (9th), the evergreen Paul Cranston (10th).
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou