By York’s Joe Thompson was in a class of his own this afternoon at Dundrod, banking Lightweight pole position, following a stellar all round qualifying display aboard the TZ 250 Yamaha, that he’s also set to pilot within the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT.
Team ILR’s Thompson (3.53.824) lapping at close to the 114 mph mark, finished top of the overall qualifying time sheets nigh on 2 and a half seconds quicker than nearest pursuer, the evergreen Davy Morgan (3.56.323).
Wednesday’s pace setter Neil Kernohan (3.58.501) was third quickest, whilst Darryl Tweed (4.03.257) lead the 400 challenge.
Paul Owen (4.03.888) banked fifth on the time sheets, seasoned Irish roads 400 class front runner Stephen Morrison (4.03.956) finished sixth quickest, as Lee Johnston (4.09.716), Gareth Keys (4.09.935), Paul Gartland (4.13.877) and Peter Fletcher (4.14.827) finalised the ten fastest qualifiers.
In total 24 riders have qualified for today’s opening Lightweight 250/400 race, with 21 of the competitors lapping under the 4 minutes 40 second mark during Wednesday, Thursday timed practice sessions.
Combined Lightweight 250/400 Qualifying times are as follows:
1 Joe Thompson 3.53.824
2 Davy Morgan 3.56.323
3 Neil Kernohan 3.58.501
4 Darryl Tweed 4.03.257
5 Paul Owen 4.03.888
6 Stephen Morrison 4.03.956
7 Lee Johnston 4.09.716
8 Gareth Keys 4.09.935
9 Paul Gartland 4.13.877
10 Peter Fletcher 4.14.827
11 Bryan Harding 4.17.433
12 Lloyd Collins 4.17.916
13 Dave Walsh 4.22.000
14 Matt Donaldson 4.23.602
15 Shaun Anderson 4.28.763
16 Fabrice Faivre 4.35.493
17 Dave Woolams 4.35.895
18 Darren Duncan 4.36.161
19 Aaron Boyd 4.37.325
20 Johnny McCay 4.37.964
21 Kenny Ruddy 4.39.755
22 Yvonne Montgomery 4.40.639
23 Gillian McGaw 4.40.687
24 Malcolm Love 4.47.913
Words by Stevie Rial
