By 13 times TT winner Michael Dunlop was in a league of his own, in superbike practice at Skerries.
Lapping at 1 minute 43.049 seconds, the only rider in history to lap the Mountain Course under 17 minutes, finished over 2.5 seconds clear on his own teams S1000RR BMW.
Devitt RC Express Racing’s Alan Bonner impressed hugely finishing second quickest, lapping at 1 minute 45.622 seconds.
Derek McGee, Noel Williamson Racing S1000RR BMW, was next up followed by William Dunlop on his own teams Caffrey International backed YZF R1M Yamaha.
Finalising the top six in practice was Graham Kennedy and John Walsh.
Up and coming roads star Adam McLean was seventh quickest, Skerries newcomer Matthew Rees was eighth fastest on GT Superbikes/Phil Morris Racing backed ZX10R Kawasaki.
Concluding the top ten on the practice leader board, was reigning Irish road race senior support champion Kevin Fitzpatrick and Steven Procter, fifth place finisher in last years newcomers A Manx Grand Prix.
Although he was a late confirmed entrant for Skerries, we all knew that Michael Dunlop was going into this weekend’s meeting back to the form, which makes him regarded by many, as the world’s leading pure road racer.
Can anyone push Michael in the open and grand final races tomorrow? we will all know on Saturday, as race day embarks upon the 70th Skerries Road Races.
Skerries Open/Grand Final Practice Results:
1 Michael Dunlop 1.43.049
2 Alan Bonner 1.45.622
3 Derek McGee 1.46.045
4 William Dunlop 1.49.957
5 Graham Kennedy 1.51.016
6 John Walsh 1.51.757
7 Adam McLean 1.52.185
8 Matthew Rees 1.52.246
9 Kevin Fitzpatrick 1.52.369
10 Steven Procter 1.52.518
Words by Stevie Rial
