Post newcomers practice sessions, fifteen minutes plus behind schedule, qualifying at the first Around A Pound Tandragee 100 of the 2020’s, kick-started with the race for Super Twins pole position.
Decent conditions all round saw a number of competitors showcase their Twins class calibre including qualifying pace setter Michael Sweeney.
Cookstown ‘Hat Trick Hero’ Sweeney who also powered to Supersport pole, registered during his second timed lap, a best lap time of 3 minutes 15.938 seconds.
This gave him a pace advantage of almost three seconds over top chaser, lead Supermono pilot Shaun Anderson.
Third quickest behind Kramer mounted Anderson was Paul ‘Potchy’ Williams whilst respective fourth, fifth, sixth quickest Stephen McKnight, Matt Rees, Forest Dunn also looked in decent form.
Emerging fastest from Junior 250 Classics qualifying was Brian Mateer whilst under 0.2 of a second covered second, third quickest Richard Ford and Philip Shaw.
Junior 350 Classics wise, Davies Motorsport’s Dominic Herbertson boasted by and far the best turn of speed.
Herbertson’s leader board setting lap time (3.32.238) gave him an astonishing 12 seconds pace difference to second quickest John Leigh Pemberton.
Leading Junior Support exponent this afternoon at Tandragee was Eoin O’Siochru.
Nearest challengers to O’Siochru during the five-lap session were Michael Gillan and Tandragee debutant, Darley Moor front-runner Albert Walker.
A dramatic late burst of pace from Marcus Simpson allowed the 231-plate holder to acquire Senior Support pole position ahead of highly-regarded next generation roads force, Lightweight Supersport pole sitter Jack Oliver.
The aforementioned O’Siochru finished P3 on the times sheet one place in front of another upcoming real roads talent, Keelim Ryan.
Remaining qualifying victors per class were Andy Hornby (Senior 1000 Classics), John Leigh Pemberton (Senior 500 Classics), road racing returnee Scott Wilson (Senior Junior Classics).
Shaun Anderson (Supermono), 93 times Irish road race winner Barry Davidson (Supersport 300) and Michal Dokoupil (125/Moto 3).
Photo credit Tommy Vennard
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou