By The opening supersport race of the 2016 Mid Antrim 150 saw newcomer to the Clough circuit Malachi Mitchell Thomas, gain a quite brilliant victory.
Piloting Cookstown BE Racing’s CBR 600 Honda, Malachi who started third on the grid, showcased why many believe in the future he will become a multiple time international road race winner.
He was victorious by 5.261 seconds over two time junior Manx Grand Prix winner Michael Sweeney, who began his season in highly productive style, following top class display on Tracblast backed YZF R6 Yamaha.
Completing the top three finishers was a delighted Colin Stephenson. The third place finisher in the 2012 newcomers b Manx Grand Prix, continued his impressive form from qualifying on VRS Racing’s ZX6R Kawasaki.
Logan Racing’s Neil Kernohan finished just under two seconds behind in fourth, whilst Darryl Tweed impressed in sealing fifth place finish.
Marc Ironside planning to this year make his Manx Grand Prix debut finished sixth, hugely experienced Paul Cranston was seventh as Stephen Tobin finished a more than creditable eighth.
Top ten was finalised by reigning Czech road racing super twins champion Michal Dokoupil and Shirlaws Motorcycles backed, Kris Duncan.
Prior to the Mid Antrim 150, many where tipping Malachi Mitchell Thomas, despite been a newcomer to secure many a high quality result.
But how many would have predicted that he would be victorious in the opening Irish road race of the season!
It’s not a surprise to many though, looking to tomorrow Malachi is on pole position for the super twins race, plus is third on the grid for the open, second supersport and grand final races.
Race Results:
1 Malachi Mitchell Thomas
2 Michael Sweeney + 5.261
3 Colin Stephenson + 23.374
4 Neil Kernohan + 25.328
5 Darryl Tweed + 33.227
6 Marc Ironside + 36.432
7 Paul Cranston + 40.385
8 Stephen Tobin + 41.891
9 Michal Dokoupil + 44.358
10 Kris Duncan + 44.908
Words by Stevie Rial
