By Top quality Ultra Lightweight competition at Dundrod in August is an absolute guarantee, with a who’s who of the most respected, successful class exponents of modern times amongst the early confirmed entrants for this year’s FonaCAB Ulster Grand Prix.
Beaten only once within the previous four Ultra Lightweight UGP encounters, 2007 North West 200 250 race winner Christian Elkin is quietly confident of adding more Ulster GP victories to his already acclaimed, well decorated International roads CV.
Set to pilot the Wylie Racing Moto 3 Honda, that has served him so well in recent years, his machinery stable for his latest Ulster GP expedition will also see him compete on high spec Supersport, Super Twin ZX-6R, ER6 Kawasaki steeds.
Looking ahead to next month’s competitive action, Elkin was in no doubt about his prime targets, goals:
“The bikes are all good and I definitely want to be chasing a podium in every race and a win if it is on.
It will be a hard task against the opposition that is out there and you need a bit of luck, as well as good machinery to win around Dundrod.”
Photo by Stephen Davison
Joining the likes of Elkin, Faraldo Racing’s Derek McGee, Michal ‘Indi’ Dokoupil on the Ultra Lightweight entry list is the in form Gary Dunlop.
Always one to give the Dundrod course high praise, the son of 26 times TT winner Joey Dunlop has hit a rich vein of form over the past few weeks, scoring victories at Kells, Enniskillen and Skerries.
Commenting about the upcoming International Road Race action in August, he stated:
“I love Dundrod and getting a race win here would be a dream come true. If I could do that I would probably quit and just put my feet up!
I will give it a good go. I was up for it last year and was running with Christian and Paul Robinson, before the engine give up at the end of the first lap. If the weather is good I will definitely have a go.”
Dunlop went onto add, that he see’s Faraldo Racing Honda mounted Derek McGee as the firm favourite for honours within the DGH Recovery Services, Plant Lubrication supported Ultra Lightweight races.
“To be honest the only chance the rest of us have is if Derek isn’t here on that Faraldo machine.” Dunlop smiled. Elkie wont be far away either. Christian is a great rider who doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves.”
Fellow prominent Ultra Lightweight class exponent KNR supported Melissa Kennedy, who has impressed many in recent years, securing a host of excellent results, is targeting at minimum next month top five finishes.
“A top five finish is my realistic aim. I just lost out on a podium last year when I was pipped on the line by Nigel Moore. Dundrod is a tough track and very fast and there will be a lot of very good riders and bikes out there.”
Words by Stevie Rial, quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison
