By Saturday’s qualifying sessions at the Mrs Browns Boys East Coast Racing Festival were not timed, as mixed course conditions following early wet weather greeted event competitors.
It must be noted though, that officially online no specific reason was given by event organisers for today’s qualifying sessions been not timed.
Amongst those to gain valuable track time today albeit as aforementioned not timed included Irish roads returnee Derek McGee.
Anticipated to be out of action for the remainder of the season after an incident at the Ulster GP, Mullingar’s McGee surprised many when photo’s emerged on Twitter of him in his racing leathers.
One has to admire the Lightweight TT runner up’s grit, dedication and determination to get back to race fitness. Another racer making a welcome Irish roads return this weekend, is Derek Sheils.
Photo by Rod Neill
Sheils who was in prime contention for a podium placing in last months RST Superbike Classic TT, before mechanical gremlins struck his Greenall Racing Kawasaki, starts for many favourite for Open, Grand Final victories on Sunday, as he pilots the Cookstown BE Racing Suzuki which has served him so well in recent years.
Alongside the big bike encounters, tomorrow is also certain to see high quality two stroke, Lightweight 400, yesteryear machinery, support class battles with multiple racers including Barry Davidson, Darryl Tweed, the Sheehan brothers Wayne and Barry plus Philip Shaw all in contention to clinch Irish Road Race Championship titles.
Words by Stevie Rial
