By Mullingar’s Derek McGee got his 2018 roads season off to the perfect start at Cookstown, securing pole position for the Open A non championship race, having edged out two times Junior Manx GP winner Michael Sweeney, for the top spot in qualifying.
McGee’s time of 1 minute 25.471 seconds, was just enough to hold off the attentions of Martin Jones Racing’s Sweeney (1.25.666), who like his fellow Irishman began his latest roads stint, in extremely productive fashion.
Next up on the time sheets was Michael Dunlop (1.25.719), who’s maiden roads outing aboard with Tyco BMW, began in solid style, as he continues to acclimatise himself with the works BMW steed.
Photo by Rod Neill
TAG Racing IRL’s Brian McCormack (1.26.294) wasn’t far behind the Mountain Course lap record holder, whilst fifth quickest James Cowton (1.27.650) also showed accomplished form.
The top ten in qualifying was completed by Temple Golf Club Yamaha’s William Dunlop, Adam McLean making his 1000cc roads debut, Thomas Maxwell, Alistair Kirk and Paul Jordan.
Outside of the first ten qualifiers, it was Cookstown BE Racing’s Davey Todd (1.31.468), who lead the Newcomers challenge, whilst team mate and reigning feature race champion Derek Sheils, finished down in 12th on the time sheets, having like William Dunlop, qualified on Supersport machinery.
Open A Non Championship, qualifying results are as follows:
1 Derek McGee 1.25.471
2 Michael Sweeney 1.25.666
3 Michael Dunlop 1.25.719
4 Brian McCormack 1.26.294
5 James Cowton 1.27.650
6 William Dunlop 1.27.953
7 Adam McLean 1.27.989
8 Thomas Maxwell 1.28.803
9 Alistair Kirk 1.29.027
10 Paul Jordan 1.29.691
11 Seamus Elliott 1.29.857
12 Derek Sheils 1.30.136
13 Graham Kennedy 1.30.177
14 Dan Cooper 1.30.182
15 Kevin Fitzpatrick 1.30.479
16 Mike Norbury 1.30.570
17 Joe Loughlin 1.31.171
18 Davey Todd 1.31.468
19 Andy Farrell 1.31.783
20 James Chawke 1.31.962
Words by Stevie Rial
