By Close to 6:00 PM at Mid Antrim, the race for pole position for the Maine Surface Finishing Open, Grand Final races got underway.
Early stages of qualifying saw 2022 Irish Road Race Superbike Champion, 2019 Duke Road Race Rankings Champion Michael Sweeney setting the pace.
Sweeney’s third timed lap yielded a sub 1.56 seconds lap time, a feat matched by BE Racing/RK Racing’s Michael Browne.
Just as Sweeney post his fourth, final timed lap, lapped at 1.54.973 seconds, Mid Antrim 150 newcomer Browne found another gear, another level, to bank pole position, lapping at 1.54.565 seconds.
This lap time unofficially matches Derek Sheils existing lap record from 2013.
Third fastest, 2.64 in arrears to the flying Browne was 24 plate holder Graham Kennedy (1.57.205).
Fourth fastest Darryl Tweed (1.59.422), piloting his own Honda steed, was the final racer to lap sub 2 minutes.
Wrapping up this evening’s ten rapidest Open/Grand Final class competitors were Neil Kernohan (2.00.048), Joey Thompson (2.00.248), Darryl Anderson (2.02.689).
The evergreen Paul Cranston (2.04.911), Scotsman Kris Duncan (2.05.892) and Dermot Cleary (2.08.346).
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
