Dunlop sets early NW200 pace as Brookes impresses on debut
Honda TT legends rider streets ahead of the field in early running.
Michael Dunlop set a blazing pace in North West 200 qualifying despite the patchy conditions. Image: North West 200.
Honda TT Legends rider Michael Dunlop has dominated the opening North West 200 qualifying session, finishing an incredible 7.6 seconds ahead of the Superbike field.
The morning opened in difficult circumstances as rain showers blew in, making some sections of the track wet and the others completely dry.
A number of riders took their opening lap as a chance to get a feel for the track before returning to wait for more favourable conditions.
Dunlop set his provisional pole time mid-way through the session, and said he was amazed at his pace early in the piece.
“When you are that far in front there is something not right,” said Dunlop.
“I couldn’t see where I was going because Martin Jessopp blew up in front of me and covered my screen in oil. I had to keep my head above the bubble for most of the time.
“But I’m happy enough, we are on the front two rows in every class if it rains on Thursday.”
Nine-time North West 200 winner Bruce Anstey was second-fastest on his HM Plant Honda, with Dean Harrison lapping around two seconds adrift for third.
It was an impressive road race debut for Australia’s Josh Brookes, who was fourth-fastest aboard the Tyco Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Brookes improved his pace to set a 4m43.580 lap on his last of six attempts, and said every tour of the circuit was a learning experience.
“On those opening laps I was thinking, ‘jeez what have I let myself in for here, but it was a lot drier for the Superbike session and I really enjoyed my first experience of road racing,” said Brookes.
“Station corner was very intimidating and I did struggle with finding my braking markers. But I spent two laps out on track with William Dunlop and I am learning all the time.”
William Dunlop was fifth-fastest, with Michael Rutter, Cam Donald, John McGuinness, Conor Cummins and Ben Wylie rounding out the top ten finishers.
The second practice session of the event will take place on Thursday with feature Superbike races to follow on Saturday.
Vauxhall North West 200
Superbike qualifying one – Top 10
1. Michael Dunlop 4m33.173
2. Bruce Anstey 4m40.788
3. Dean Harrison 4m42.885
4. Josh Brookes 4m43.580
5. William Dunlop 4m43.765
6. Michael Rutter 4m43.929
7. Cameron Donald 4m45.422
8. John McGuinness 4m48.015
9. Conor Cummins 4m48.630
10. Ben Wylie 4m51.259
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