By In ideal conditions at Faugheen, many of Irish road racing’s top stars showcased their great talents in full, via tumultuous performances in abundance.
As at every national roads meeting in 2017, Joe Loughlin was again the dominant force in the Junior Support and Senior Support classes.
His commanding support class qualifying exploits, where backed up by qualifying third on the grid for the Super Twins race, only behind Derek McGee and Derek Sheils.
Same as with big bike machinery, the two Derek’s battled it out for Supersport pole position, along with a vast amount of hungry rising stars.
Photo by Baylon McCaughey
Cookstown BE Racing’s Sheils took the time sheet honours, by just over 0.3 of a second over Evolution Camping backed Paul Jordan, with McGee finishing third quickest.
The “Mullingar Missile” also went onto qualify second fastest within the 125/Moto 3 class, behind former North West 200 winner, Paul Robinson.
Richard Ford headed the Classic 250/Classic 1000 fields, whilst the Classic 350 and 500 classes where topped respectively by Ed Manly and Barry Davidson.
Outside of the class pace setters, additional riders to catch the eye in qualifying, included John Cahill, Alan Johnston, Michael Browne, Oisin Watson and Faugheen newcomer Forest Dunn.
Race action at the 2017 Faugheen 50 Road Races, is scheduled to get underway tomorrow from 11 AM, beginning with the Open Championship race.
Words by Stevie Rial
