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 the world’s fastest road race.
Although not as dominant this year, foremost class exponent Ivan Lintin, is still regarded by many as pure road racing’s leading ‘Twins’ competitor.
For many the warm favourite for Maxwell Freight Services Super Twins victory, last months Southern 100 saw him embroiled in high class duels with James Cowton.
The East Yorkshireman is anticipated to be amongst the main challengers to the Dafabet Devitt Racing rider, aboard the McAdoo Racing Z650 Kawasaki.
Photo by Rod Neill
Reigning Ulster GP Super Twins champion Dan Cooper (Dan Cooper Motorsport/CMS) and Irish road race champion Derek McGee (Site Sealants/B&W Racing) will also be in the mix for race honours.
Same applies to rising stars Adam McLean (MJ Palmer/Hanna Performance) and Joe Loughlin, who thus far in 2017 has wrapped up 14 wins within the Irish roads scene.
Added potential podium finishers include Bob Wylie Racing’s Christian Elkin, Cookstown BE Racing’s Derek Sheils and Michael Sweeney.
Twins winner at Chimay, Optimark Road Racing’s Xavier Denis, is a definite one to watch, more than capable of pushing the anticipated front runners.
The likes of Darren Cooper, Michael Weldon, Paul Gartland, James Tadman and Dundrod debutants Rob Hodson & Jamie Hodson will also be targeting at minimum top six finishes.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Leading Suzuki mounted competitors include the improving Sam Johnson, who competes under the Colin Dunlop Racing banner.
Unfortunately it looks like there will be no Paton’s and CF Moto machines gracing Dundrod next week.
Photo by Jim Gibson
The overseas marques have added a touch of diversity in recent times to a class, which since it’s inception has been sternly dominated by Kawasaki.
Outside of this aspect, it’s still a top draw entry for the latest Dundrod 150/Ulster GP Super Twin encounters.
Expect it to be ‘Slip Stream City’ down the flying Kilo, with multiple evenly matched world class road racers jostling for the race win.
Words by Stevie Rial
