By The machines titled the big bikes, superbike’s took to the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix today, in tricky wet and damp conditions around Dundrod.
TT Races lap record holder Michael Dunlop was the pace setter, setting the fastest lap speed of the day at Dundrod, lapping at 121.602 mph, on the Hawk Racing S1000RR BMW.
Photo by Rod Neill
Michael also topped the time sheets in the superstock class, on his own teams S1000RR BMW, lapping at close to his superbike pace, with lap speed of 121.534 mph.
Derek Sheils, Cookstown BE Racing GSX-R 1000 Suzuki, ended a highly productive first day of Ulster GP competition, by finishing second fastest, following lap speed of 120.914 mph.
Next up was Jamie Coward (119.803 mph) who lead the Devitt RC Express Racing challenge, he was followed by Silicone Engineering Racing’s Dean Harrison, the leader of the 2016 Duke Road Race Rankings championship.
Additional stand out performances included Steve Mercer (117.357 mph) gelling quickly with the Devitt RC Express Racing ZX10R Kawasaki and 2009 TT zero winner Rob Barber (114.313 mph).
Tyco BMW’s Ian Hutchinson amongst the firm favourites in the Ulster GP superbike races, did not take part in the practice session.
MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix – Superbike Practice Results:
1 Michael Dunlop 121.602
2 Derek Sheils 120.914
3 Jamie Coward 119.803
4 Dean Harrison 119.649
5 William Dunlop 119.536
6 Peter Hickman 119.460
7 Bruce Anstey 118.943
8 Dan Kneen 118.254
9 Steve Mercer 117.357
10 Rob Barber 114.313
Words by Stevie Rial
