By Just past 6:30 PM, the opening 1000cc action of this year’s Southern 100 got underway with pretty much ideal conditions greeting competitors.
Fresh from a hat-trick of victories at Walderstown, Michael Dunlop aboard the Buildbase Suzuki set the initial pace, lapping close to the 109-mph lap-mark.
Supersport TT lap record holder Dunlop soon went faster, lapping at 111.274 mph, which equates timing wise to 2 minutes 17.499 seconds.
There was confusion regarding No.1 plate holder, reigning Solo Champion Dean Harrison’s pace, with the DAO Racing rider not registering on live timing.
Soon it was confirmed that Harrison had lapped at 110.81 mph, to go second quickest behind Dunlop.
KTS Racing Powered by Steadplan’s Jamie Coward finished third quickest whilst high-profile Billown racing returnee Davey Todd finished fourth fastest.
Positions fifth-tenth from first qualifying were banked by Dafabet Racing’s Rob Hodson, Nathan Harrison, Ryan Kneen, Irish Road Race Superbike Championship leader Michael Sweeney, Mark Parrett and PreZ Racing’s Paul Jordan.
Twenty racers overall lapped sub 2 minute 31 seconds including 19th quickest, leading S100 newcomer Gary Ford.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
