By Cookstown BE Racing’s Derek Sheils, set a soaring pace in wrapping up pole position for the Open and Grand Final races, at Skerries.
The two times Irish road race Superbike champion lap time of 1 minute 34.806, was almost three seconds quicker than nearest challenger, in qualifying, Martin Jones Racing’s Michael Sweeney.
Next up on the time sheets was Supersport pace setter Derek McGee, whilst former Senior Manx GP winner Davy Morgan showed good form, in finishing fourth fastest.
Paul Jordan, piloting the Evolution Camping backed S1000RR BMW was fifth quickest, Skerries/roads newcomer Davey Todd, competing under the Longshot Racing banner, finalised the top six in qualifying.
Michael Weldon, Andy Farrell and Graham Kennedy, seventh, eighth and ninth quickest, where all closely matched pace wise, as 400 pole sitter Darryl Tweed, clinched position ten, on the grid, for tomorrow’s Open and Grand Final encounters.
Michael Dunlop who was entered for this weekend’s competition at Skerries, is a confirmed non starter, as is brother William Dunlop, with both taking part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, for the first time.
Skerries – Open/Grand Final Qualifying
1 Derek Sheils 1.34.806
2 Michael Sweeney 1.37.492
3 Derek McGee 1.37.846
4 Davy Morgan 1.40.94
5 Paul Jordan 1.41.578
6 Davey Todd 1.42.348
7 Michael Weldon 1.42.451
8 Andy Farrell 1.42.5
9 Graham Kennedy 1.42.805
10 Darryl Tweed 1.43.053
11 Steven Procter 1.45.102
12 Steve Tobin 1.45.386
13 Stephen Casey 1.45.501
14 Alan Connor 1.45.526
15 Paul Gartland 1.45.844
16 Seaan Connolly 1.46.023
17 Thomas Maxwell 1.46.3
18 Neil Kernohan 1.46.505
19 Kevin Fitzpatrick 1.46.752
20 Sam Johnson 1.47.129
21 Damian Horan 1.47.166
22 Paul Cranston 1.47.21
23 Noel Carroll 1.47.269
24 James Chawke 1.47.417
25 Stephen McKnight 1.47.588
26 Dennis Booth 1.48.346
27 David Lumsden 1.48.625
28 Paul Barron 1.49.373
29 Paul Williams 1.50.223
30 Andy McAllister 1.50.764
31 Darren Cooper 1.50.787
32 Emmett Burke 1.52.053
33 Billy Mellor 1.52.294
34 Andy McPherson 1.53.059
Words by Stevie Rial
