By The 650cc race bikes, better known as Super Twins, have since been incorporated into the Ulster GP schedule in 2009, become an important popular component of competition at Dundrod.
In great form on the KMR Kawasaki at Faugheen and Armoy, Mullingar’s Derek McGee is many peoples tip for class honours.
Photo by Tommy Vennard
Runner up in last year’s Bennetts Lightweight TT, the amiable Irishman who’s enjoyed success before at Dundrod within the twins class, is more than capable fitness permitting of producing a series of dominant performances.
Same applies to this year’s Lightweight TT runner up, Hebden Bridge’s Jamie Coward. For many enjoying the best season of his roads career to date, he’s looked at one on various occasions with the KTS Racing ER6 Kawasaki.
Photo by Tommy Vennard
Keen to step up a level around Dundrod, it wouldn’t at all be a surprise if Coward scoops next week at least one Twins class success.
Others in contention for victories include Ashcourt Racing’s Lee Johnston and Kiely Heating Racing’s Michael Sweeney, who has quietly gone under the radar with his impressive progress this year within the 650cc racing scene.
Additional ones to watch include Dafabet Devitt Racing’s Paul Jordan, Christian Elkin and pure road racing returnee Joe Loughlin.
2017 Irish Road Race Junior & Senior Support champion Loughlin, forms part of a three strong Team ILR presence which includes team owner, ten times TT winner Ian Lougher.
Loughlin, Lougher are both set to pilot next week S1-R Paton machinery, as is team mate, UGP newcomer James Chawke.
2018 Junior Manx GP champion, the always smiling Chawke, who placed an excellent 10th in June’s Lightweight TT, is looking forward to making his first foray into competition on the ultra fast Dundrod course.
“I’ve done a few laps of the course plus a bit of homework and I’m really looking forward to racing at Dundrod.
I think the Paton will be well suited to Dundrod and if I can match the result I had at the North West and be the fastest newcomer of the week I will go home happy.”
Added depth to the entry is provided by the likes of Barry Furber, Logan Racing’s Neil Kernohan and Southern 100 podium finisher Jonathan Perry.
Expect it to be ‘Slip Stream City’ down the flying Kilo next week, with multiple evenly matched world class road racers jostling for DGH Recovery Services, Maxwell Freight Services Super Twin victories.
Words by Stevie Rial
