* Ballymoney’s Darryl Tweed was close to not participating in the remainder of this year’s North West 200, following major issues afflicting his own Honda steed.
Fortunately Wilson Craig Racing have stepped in to provide CBR 600RR Honda machinery for Tweed to pilot during the remainder of race week.
* Dominic Herbertson won’t be racing the Cowton Racing Kawasaki in Thursday’s Supersport race, after an engine failure from yesterday’s opening qualifying session.
* Glenn Irwin admitted via Twitter about Tuesday’s Superbike, Superstock qualifying sessions: “Very very very tough day with some niggles outside of our control on both bikes.”
* Davey Todd admitted he was surprised to finish third fastest from Superbike first qualifying: “I was really surprised to be up there. The bike was over-geared and I was barely using sixth gear, so to be just 0.8 seconds off pole when I wasn’t pushing and was just getting used to the track, is good.”
* Phil Marron, crew-chief for World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu was in the paddock yesterday helping 24 times North West 200 Champion Alastair Seeley and the IFS Global Logistics team.
* Second fastest in Superstock Q1, 14 times NW200 winner Michael Rutter stated the following post Triangle competition:
“I got held up a bit on the last lap but the bike feels good and it is fast. I just need to do more laps so that I can get up to speed and have the trust to out-brake people at these high speeds.”
* Fastest competitors per class through the speed trap on the run-down to University, read as follows:
Supersport – Ian Hutchinson – 174 Mph
Superstock – Michael Dunlop – 195.2 Mph
Super Twins – Richard Cooper – 161.1 Mph
Superbike – Peter Hickman – 198 Mph
* 16 racers during Supersport qualifying, registered lap speeds exceeding the 110 mph mark.
Most qualifying laps were completed by newcomer Yann Galli, who’s timed laps mileage stood at seven.
* IRRC teams participating this week include Never Be Clever Racing and the Netherlands leading roads squad Performance Racing Achterhoek.
* America’s Patricia Fernandez enjoys title support this week from JMcC Roofing.
* Street Diner supported Sam West, BMW mount sports a distinctive green, white livery. You won’t miss it!
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison
Photo credit Tommy Vennard
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou