By Would you believe it, steam on the Triangle course! This combined with pesky wet weather led to NW200 Superstock first qualifying been delayed.
Once Superstock Q1 got underway, the action was as fierce as ever.
Halfway into proceedings and world’s fastest road racer, existing NW200 lap record holder Peter Hickman was holding sway.
Despite conditions described on the BBC by Davey Todd as damp, sketchy, Hickman still managed to record a sub 4:29 seconds lap time (4:28.889 seconds).
Soon though NW200 wins record holder, Synetiq BMW’s Alastair Seeley (4:26.565), had outpaced Hickman, moving 2.324 seconds to the good.
With just over nine minutes of the session to go, Lee Johnston aboard ex Glenn Irwin Honda Racing machinery, had taken over the top spot, lapping at 4:26.502 seconds.
This placed him just 0.063 ahead of fellow countryman Seeley.
Changes, changes, changes again then arose with FHO Racing’s Hickman re-taking provisional pole.
Aforementioned Carrickfergus ace Seeley was in determined mood though and in the sessions’ closing stages, re-claimed provisional pole, lapping at 4:21.769 seconds.
Hickman had to ultimately settle for the third quickest time with Michael Dunlop charging late on to the second fastest time.
Above showcased King of The Roads winner Davey Todd placed fourth fastest, just ahead of Ashcourt Racing’s Johnston.
Wrapping up the Superstock Q1 top ten were Dean Harrison, Josh Brookes, Conor Cummins, John McGuinness MBE and top Yamaha challenger Lami OMG Racing’s James Hillier.
Superstock Q1 Result, reads as follows:
1 – Alastair Seeley – 4:21.769
2 – Michael Dunlop – 4:23.729
3 – Peter Hickman – 4:24.853
4 – Davey Todd – 4:26.409
5 – Lee Johnston – 4:26.502
6 – Dean Harrison – 4:27.280
7 – Josh Brookes – 4:28.516
8 – Conor Cummins – 4:29.173
9 – John McGuinness MBE – 4:30.499
10 – James Hillier – 4:32.236
11 – Nathan Harrison – 4:33.772
12 – Sam West – 4:34.942
13 – Michael Sweeney – 4:34.951
14 – Adam McLean – 4:35.598
15 – Paul Jordan – 4:38.742
16 – David Datzer – 4:39.482
17 – Erno Kostamo – 4:39.871
18 – Craig Neve – 4:40.013
19 – Stefano Bonetti – 4:40.510
20 – Michael Evans – 4:40.743
21 – Julian Trummer – 4:40.912
22 – Lukas Maurer – 4:42.348
23 – Michael Browne – 4:42.710
24 – Matthieu Lagrive – 4:45.091
25 – Emmet O’Grady – 4:45.508
26 – Dominic Herbertson – 4:47.686
27 – Kamil Holan – 4:48.640
28 – James Chawke – 4:49.121
29 – Ryan Gibson – 4:49.174
30 – Eddy Ferre – 4:49.236
Photo credit: Tommy Vennard
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
