By The pace setters in the second Superbike qualifying session of the 2017 MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix, closed in on the magical 134 mph mark, as lap speeds rocketed up around Dundrod.
Peter Hickman’s unbeaten run in qualifying this week at the world’s fastest road race continues, with the Smiths Racing rider going into the Superpole session on Saturday, at the top of the Superbike time sheets.
Photo by Rod Neill
Lap speed of 133.560, gave him an advantage of just over half a second out front, over Dan Kneen (133.186) who at present, looks like the biggest threat to Hickman within the premier big bike class.
I state this view, cause given the relative lack of time Dan has had to gel with the Tyco BMW Superbike, he’s acclimatised himself extremely quickly aboard the factory backed steed, and he will only get quicker as race week goes on.
You can’t discount though the evergreen Bruce Anstey (132.948), third fastest on the RC213V-S Honda, same applies to Padgetts team mate Conor Cummins (132.651).
Fifth fastest William Dunlop (132.606), had the honour of been the first rider in history to go through the speed trap at Dundrod, at over 200 mph.
Brother Michael Dunlop (132.369) was next up on the time sheets, whilst the remaining qualifiers for the McKinstry Skip Hire Superpole session are Dean Harrison (131.639), David Johnson (131.126), Derek Sheils (130.883) and Jamie Coward (130.351).
MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix – Superbike Q2 Results:
1 Peter Hickman 133.560
2 Dan Kneen 133.186
3 Bruce Anstey 132.948
4 Conor Cummins 132.651
5 William Dunlop 132.606
6 Michael Dunlop 132.369
7 Dean Harrison 131.639
8 David Johnson 131.126
9 Derek Sheils 130.883
10 Jamie Coward 130.351
11 Lee Johnston 130.122
12 Sam West 129.911
13 Dan Cooper 128.931
14 Phil Crowe 128.917
15 Ivan Lintin 128.896
16 Derek McGee 128.391
17 Daley Mathison 128.323
18 Brian McCormack 128.309
19 Dan Hegarty 128.227
20 Michael Sweeney 128.215
Words by Stevie Rial
