By Continuing his stellar return to competitive roads action, Mullingar’s Derek McGee emerged fastest in a captivating, keenly contested Open Championship race qualifying session.
Showing accomplished, world class form around the just over 2 miles long Faugheen 50 course, reigning Duke Road Race Rankings champion McGee recorded a best lap time of 1 minute 16.245 seconds, to finish just 0.237 quicker than BE Racing In Conjunction with Richardson Kelly Racing’s Derek Sheils (1.16.482).
Photo by Road Racing Daily
Martin Jones Racing’s Michael Sweeney (1.17.165) finished third fastest, Thomas Maxwell (1.18.829) placed fourth quickest whilst lead Supersport 600 mounted competitor, fifth fastest Michael Browne (1.19.368) like fellow countryman Maxwell continues to enhance his reputation as one of Irish Road Racing’s leading rising stars.
Another improving, next generation roads exponent secured followed on the qualifying times sheet, 2018 Junior Manx GP winner, 11th place finisher within last month’s Bennetts Lightweight TT, Rathkeale’s James Chawke (1.19.621).
Rounding out the ten quickest racers from the five lap Open Championship qualifying session, were Ballymoney’s Darryl Tweed (1.19.692), Stephen Casey (1.24.249), Noel Carroll (1.24.680) and prospective Manx GP newcomer Liam Chawke (1.25.021).
The overall Faugheen 50 Open Championship qualifying result, is as follows:
1 Derek McGee 1.16.245
2 Derek Sheils 1.16.482
3 Michael Sweeney 1.17.165
4 Thomas Maxwell 1.18.829
5 Michael Browne 1.19.368
6 James Chawke 1.19.621
7 Darryl Tweed 1.19.692
8 Stephen Casey 1.24.249
9 Noel Carroll 1.24.680
10 Liam Chawke 1.25.021
11 Damian Horan 1.25.094
12 Stephen Tobin 1.25.586
13 Paul Fallon 1.25.700
Words by Stevie Rial
