Dominant Dunlop Wins Twins Opener, Makes It 24 TT Victories

Dominant Dunlop Wins Twins Opener, Makes It 24 TT Victories
Rescheduled to 6:30 PM, the opening three-lap Carole Nash Super Twins race, promised much.

Paton vs Kawasaki vs Yamaha, established TT giants’ vs rising talents vs plucky privateers, the ingredients were there for another Mountain Course classic.

In contrast to previous solo races, first away holding the illustrious No.1 plate was Cowton Racing’s Dominic Herbertson.

Lap 1:

Going to the form book, SC Project Paton mounted Michael Dunlop stormed into the lead at Glen Helen, opening up a 4.533 seconds advantage over Jamie Coward.

Michael Browne was just 1.216 behind Coward with Peter Hickman aboard R7 Yamaha tackle fourth.

By Ballaugh Bridge, Dunlop had stretched his advantage out front to nine seconds plus.

Stefano Bonetti fifth at Glen Helen, retired at Douglas Road Corner.

On the run to Ramsey Hairpin, opening Superstock race runner-up Dunlop added almost four seconds to his race-lead.

Twice TT Privateers Champion Coward was now 12.956 in arrears to the 23 times TT winner.

Coward soon overhauled Herbertson to lead on the road and at the Bungalow, slightly reduced Dunlop’s grip on race proceedings.

At lap one’s finalisation, the top six order was Dunlop, Coward +14.343, Browne, Hickman, Josh Brookes and starting his 84th TT race Michael Rutter.

Lap 2:

After scheduled pit-stop tasks, pace setter Dunlop quickly reeled in on top chaser Coward, overtaking the Hebden Bridge racer to alongside leading on the timing screens, lead on the road as well.

Dunlop had a nigh-on twenty seconds lead at Glen Helen with Coward just 0.491 in front of BE/RK Racing’s Browne.

Onto Ballaugh Bridge and Coward grittily moved 1.991 to the good over Irish Road Race Supersport Champion Browne.

Out front, Dunlop was in complete control of his mission to make it 24 TT victories.

Hickman and Brookes remained evenly matched in the battle for fifth whilst North West 200 winner Pierre Yves Bian held sixth.

As the third, final lap dawned Dunlop led new place holder Browne by 21.908 seconds, who had got the better of Coward by the Bungalow.

Lap 3:

Although attentions rightly were upon prospective race victor Dunlop, lots of attention was also on the compelling fight for second between Browne and Coward.

Nip and tuck post Glen Helen, Ballaugh Bridge, Sulby, at Ramsey Hairpin Browne led Coward, with just 1.218 separating the rising TT stars.

As Dunlop took the applauds, plaudits for TT win No.24, becoming the second most successful racer in TT history, who would emerge second?

The answer was first time podium finisher, Irishman Browne finishing 2.237 ahead of 2019 Junior Classic TT winner Coward.

Outright lap record holder Hickman, Dafabet Racing’s Brookes, 2021 IRRC Supersport Champion Yves Bian completed the first six finishers.

Herbertson, Rutter, Barry Furber gaining a PB TT finish, Rob Hodson wrapped up the top ten.

Michael ‘Jack’ Russell (13th) made it five finishes from five races, as he continues his ten finishes from ten TT starts goal.

Sole TT newcomer competing Jack Petrie placed 28th whilst others obtaining creditable finishes included Chris Moore (14th), Martin Morris (15th), Paul ‘Potchy’ Williams (16th), Jonathan Goetschy (18th), Paul Cassidy (20th) and Gareth Arnold (22nd).

TT 2023 – Carole Nash Super Twins Race 1 Result:

1st – Michael Dunlop

2nd – Michael Browne

3rd – Jamie Coward

4th – Peter Hickman

5th – Josh Brookes

6th – Pierre Yves Bian

7th – Dominic Herbertson

8th – Michael Rutter

9th – Barry Furber

10th – Rob Hodson

11th – Michael Evans

12th – Michal Dokoupil

13th – Michael Russell

14th – Chris Moore

15th – Martin Morris

16th – Paul ‘Potchy’ Williams

17th – Dave Hewson

18th – Jonathan Goetschy

19th – Miroslav Sloboda

20th – Paul Cassidy

21st – Pete Murray

22nd – Gareth Arnold

23rd – Jamie Cringle

24th – Andy Hornby

25th – Tom Weeden

26th – Dave Madsen Mygdal

27th – Masayuki Yamanaka

28th – Jack Petrie

Photo credit: Mark Corlett, Nick Wheeler

Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
administrator
Welcome, Here at Road Racing News we pride ourselves in supplying the best and latest news on Pure Road Racing including Race Reports, Race Reviews, Interviews and live updated news. Our Aim is to supply the latest Pure Road Racing news as quickly as possible to all enthusiast of the best sport in the world. Your fantastic support and following is why we do this! Road Racing News Team.

Related Articles