MotoGP: Martin Quickest With New Lap Record At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

MotoGP: Martin Quickest With New Lap Record At Le Mans

Jorge Martin finished a flawless Friday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France, by topping MotoGP World Championship Practice One. After leading Friday morning’s Free Practice, Martin topped Friday afternoon’s Practice One with a time of 1:30.388 on his Michelin-shod Prima Pramac Racing Ducati. Not only was that lap time good enough to lead the field of 22 riders, it also set a new All-Time Lap Record, eclipsing the 1:30.450 Francesco Bagnaia did in 2022.

Bagnaia, the two-time and defending MotoGP World Champion, was second Friday afternoon with a 1:30.533 on his Lenovo Ducati.

Rookie Pedro Acosta, the reigning Moto2 World Champion, continued his impressive form with a third-quickest 1:30.575 on his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machine.

Likewise, Maverick Vinales was fast again with a 1:30.657 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP, slotting him into fourth.

Other riders finishing the session in the top 10 and advancing directly to Qualifying Two included: Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (1:30.683), Red Bull KTM’s Jack Miller (1:30.699), Vinales’ teammate Aleix Espargaro (1:30.714), Martin’s teammate Franco Morbidelli (1:30.763), Di Giannantonio’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi (1:30.785), and Monster Energy Yamaha’s home hero Fabio Quartararo (1:30.788).

The best times of the top 17 riders in the session were separated by less than one second.

MotoGP PR

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Martin outpaces Pecco with new lap record as Marquez faces Q1

The stage is set for another super Saturday with key names split across Q1 and Q2 – and a home hero through

Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Friday, 10 May 2024

It was an intense shootout for direct entry into Q2 at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, with the spots in the top 10 going down to the wire. At the end of Friday it was tight at the top too, with just 0.187s separating the top three. Thanks to a new lap record, however, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) reigns supreme ahead of 2023 duelling partner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), with rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) making a statement in third and on team home turf.

For Martin it was a building session, with the #89 consistently running inside the top 10 before a fast lap with 10 minutes to go before improving to set a remarkable 1:30.388 on the Pramac rider’s final run. Bagnaia tried to fight back late, after briefly occupying the top spot with 20 minutes to go. However, Martin’s final sector was too good to match, leaving the reigning World Champion in second with Acosta finding time in the last 10 minutes of the the day to jump to third on the #31’s first time at Le Mans on a MotoGP™ bike.

Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

In fourth after another cracking day was Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales, who was a mere 0.269s from the top spot at the end of the opening day of action at the French GP. The Americas GP winner was ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) in sixth who had a positive Friday after putting a fresh soft rear tyre in his final run.

Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was sixth after a strong finish to the day – setting a 1:30.699. However, it was not smooth sailing for Miller after saving a crash after running through the gravel at turn two. However at the other side of the box, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a tough day crashing for the third time on Friday, ending the day outside of the Q2 spots.

Pedro Acosta (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Aleix Espargaro ended a strong day for the Aprilia Racing squad, finishing the day in seventh, after briefly claiming the top spot. Behind Espargaro in eighth position after a great day was Prima Pramac Racing’s Franco Morbidelli who earned direct entry into Q2 onnce again after finding late time late in the session.

2023 winner Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) was ninth clinching a Q2 spot and just 0.397 away from the top spot in the highly competitive field. And to the delight of the French crowd, home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) took the final spot inside the top 10 and by 0.010s, leaving some huge names to battle in Q1.

Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Most notably Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is now forced to go through Q1 on Saturday after ending the day in 13th. The #93 had a crash in the opening stage of the session, remounting, and then began to push in the last 10 minutes but he was unable to piece together a lap good enough for the top 10. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) will join him in Q1 tomorrow, after spending most of Practice outside the top 10 and crossing the line to end the day in 19th.

Binder and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) will also prepare for a Q1 appearance on Saturday, hoping to join their teammates in Q2. Further down the order, the French crowd will also be cheering on Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), who was 20th with work to do to improve.

FP2: 10:10 (UTC +2)

Q1: 10:50

Q2: 11.15

Tissot Sprint: 15:00

Sergio Garcia (3). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Garcia grabs top honours from Lopez on Friday

It was an exciting Friday afternoon in Moto2™ with many key contenders beginning to show their cards at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France. It continues to be one of the most unpredictable Moto2™ seasons yet, but Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) hit back to end Friday on top, claiming a new lap record at Le Mans with a 1:35.473 in the last five minutes of the session. Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) was second despite losing the front at the end of the session while on a fast lap, rider ok, and third went the way of his teammate Fermin Aldeguer, who found time on a last fast lap to rocket up the order.

Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) was fourth as he looks to fight for a maiden win this weekend, with Championship leader Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) completing the top five.

Check out the full results below and come back for more at 9:25 local time (UTC+2) for Practice 2 before qualifying at 13:45 local time.

David Alonso (80). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Alonso obliterates the lap record to pull half a second on Esteban, Holgado

It was a quick afternoon for the Moto3™ field at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France with CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team’s David Alonso continuing to mark his ground in Le Mans. The Colombian smashed the lap record for the second time on Friday, setting a remarkable 1:40.470. The #80 was ahead of teammate Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who was the only other rider inside the 1:40 bracket – but 0.480s adrift from Alonso. In third place after briefly snatching the top spot with 10 minutes remaining was Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) – continuing to look like a race contender.

It was a dramatic session throughout with riders pushing to the absolute limit as the top spot changed hands multiple times between Alonso, Esteban, and Holgado. There were also a number of crashers, riders ok.

Meanwhile, returning to racing this weekend was Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), ending Friday in fourth but a mere 0.014s faster than Jerez winner Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), who rounded out the top five despite suffering a crash in the closing stages of the session at turn 13.

Can Alonso convert his pace and bounce back from Spanish GP disappointment? The first mission is to head through to Q2 via P2 at 8:40 (UTC+ 2), before qualifying from 12:50… so come back for more on Saturday!

MotoGP: Martin Leads Tight FP1 At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

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MotoGP: Martin Leads Tight FP1 At Le Mans

Jorge Martin was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) circuit in 1:31.421 to lead the field of 22 riders.

Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta was the best of the rest with a 1:31.658 on his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machine.

Maverick Vinales made it three different brands in the top three positions with a time of 1:31.678 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.

Less than one second covered the top 16 riders in FP1.

MotoGP FP1

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Quiles On Pole At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Quiles On Pole At Le Mans

RBR Qual

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull:

Pole man Quiles and Salmela the ones to beat after Rookies Le Mans Qualifying

A hot afternoon, already a packed crowd and 25 teenagers determined to get their KTMs set up for the second round of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies at Le Mans. It was Finland’s Rico Salmela who spent the most time on top of the timing screens but Màximo Quiles stole the show by 0.028 seconds to take pole for Spain.

Cup points leader and Jerez Race 2 winner Álvaro Carpe was 3rd quickest but the 16-year-old Spaniard will start Saturday’s race from P9 on the grid thanks to a penalty for exiting the pit lane past a red light.

That promotes Malaysian 16-year-old Hakim Danish to the front row with Jerez Race 1 winner Marco Morelli heading up Row 2 as the Argentine 16-year-old looks to better his second place in the points chase.

Màximo on pole by a fraction

“That was good,” enthused the 16-year-old. “I changed the bike between FP2 and Quali. In FP2 I had a lot of chatter in the chicane, corners 9 and 10 when I went in on the brakes. So I talked with the suspension guy and they fixed it, it was better.”

“I knew I needed to improve it for the Quali because you have the new tyre and with much more grip that puts more pressure on the suspension and it will be the same in the race. Then I felt really good on the bike.”

“At the beginning of Quali, I was on my own because I didn’t want to get stuck in the group. I preferred to find the rhythm that I want to run in the race. Then luckily I caught the group at the right time, had some good laps, the slipstream and a reference and I did a 44.2. Still not perfect because in the last corner, I had to brake, I lost like .2 of a second there.”

“But I am really happy, we know I have pace for tomorrow and I will really push. I will try to break away, I will find my rhythm and be strong, we’ll see.”

Rico will do better

“That was OK, it was better than Jerez, Quali was a struggle there,” commented the 16-year-old with his usual grin, referring to his P9 in Spain.

“All day I had a good feeling with the bike, I could do P1 in FP1 and 2. Now, in the Quali I was feeling good, I couldn’t do a perfect lap but it put me second, I’m happy and tomorrow we’ll see, I’ll try to do a better race and improve the position from last year.” He was robbed of a win in both races.

“I wanted to run alone, there was a lot of slowing down in the group, I kept catching them in the wrong places. I didn’t want to do too many slow sectors otherwise you get penalised so I was a bit stuck in the group and I had to pass many riders on my fast lap but still it was OK.”

“The bike is good, more or less right, I had some moments with the front but I’m not sure if I will change anything or not, I will think about it.”

Álvaro in good shape

“I am happy with P3, that’s good. I had problems in FP1 and 2. But my KTM improved so much through the sessions and in the end, I am happy with the time, the place and the bike, it’s really good.”

“I have a penalty for the first race, dropping 6 places on the grid. But I am feeling OK because I am sure I am going to be in the race.”

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow, a lot more confident than last year because then I qualified way back.”

Hakim expecting a hot race

“I feel good with the bike, I finished P4, that’s good and I think I can do a good job in the race. I think it’s going to be a hot day tomorrow and I am confident in this bike in hot conditions.”

“I feel that I have the pace, I tried running alone and I can do that and go faster without anyone around so I think that will help in the race.”

“I am happy with the bike but I think we can still improve it so I’m going to talk to the guys and see if we should try something in the race.”

Marco loves the track and is ready to race

“I’m happy with that, very happy. The day was all good really. In FP2 I tried to get confidence, but it wasn’t quite there. Then in Quali with the new tyre, I pushed and I found the confidence and the limit.”

“I rode alone, this is good for the race, I know what I can do and I had a good pace and rhythm by myself.”

“I think that tomorrow with more adrenaline and pushing harder on race day I can go a little bit faster.”

“We’ll see because for sure it’s going to be a big group, the times are close. Maybe Rico can break, I don’t know, I will try to run with whoever is at the front, I like the bike and I love the track so let’s go.”

Ruche Moodley will be in the hunt

“I think I am well prepared for the race,” commented the South African 17-year-old who was 6th fastest but lines up in the middle of Row 2 thanks to Carpe’s penalty. “That’s the important thing. I don’t think it matters if you are on the front row or not because it’s a long race and I’m confident that I have the pace to run at the front.”

“I like this track a lot and last year I started further back so it really doesn’t matter. I’m happy with the bike, it’s really working well.”

Broadcast

This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.

Race 1 is at 17:00 CEST on Saturday and Race 2 is on Sunday at 08:45, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.

MotoE: Garzo Grabs Pole Position At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

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MotoE: Garzo Grabs Pole Position At Le Mans

Garzo takes maiden MotoE™ pole in Le Mans

A new lap record and in uncharacteristic hot conditions? The stage is set for Round 2!

Friday, 10 May 2024

Under sunny skies in France, Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) has finally clinched his first pole position in the FiM Enel MotoE™ World Championship, having been one of the fastest in the field since this debut but missing that last stat. He did it in style too, with a new lap record of 1:39.995 making him the only rider to break into the 1:39s, but the chasing pack certainly weren’t far behind. Sophomore sensation Nicholas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) tails the pole sitter by just 0.031 of a second for his second front row start of the season, and completing the front row in third is season opener polesitter Eric Granado (LCR E-Team).

In an extremely close Q2 session that saw the top seven riders split by just 0.312 of a second, Garzo managed to just keep his rivals at bay with that first-ever 1:39 MotoE™ lap of the Le Mans circuit. With Garzo on a run of four consecutive second place finishes stretching from the last round of 2023 to the first round of 2024, he has the best possible start to bring that streak to an end and take his first victory since Germany last season.

Behind, reigning World Champion and 2024 championship leader Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) managed to do a fine job of completing the qualifying recovery, by progressing through from Q1 and then taking 4th in Q2. He starts alongside Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) who managed to improve his career-best qualifying one place to 5th and all at a venue he’s never been to before.

In the closing stages of Q1 there was some luckless drama for session-topper Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team) who was the innocent party in a crash for Alessio Finello (Felo Gresini MotoE). Finello, who lost the front through Le Mans’ fast Turn 1, unfortunately collided with Zannoni’s machine as he went through the chicane. With no time to prepare a spare bike, Zannoni’s well-earned Q2 place was rendered almost immaterial as he was unable to take part in the session. Zannoni will line up 10th for tomorrow’s races. Teammate and 2019 World Cup Winner Matteo Ferrari’s (Felo Gresini Team) difficult start to the season continues with the Italian qualifying 14th after an issue midway through Q1 slowed his progress.

Practice and qualifying complete, there’s just one more thing to do for MotoE™ and that’s race! We’ll see you for Race 1 tomorrow at 12:15 UTC+2 and Race 2 at 16:10 UTC+2!

MotoE Q2

Moto2: Garcia Quickest, Roberts P5 Friday Afternoon In France

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

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Moto2: Garcia Quickest, Roberts P5 Friday Afternoon In France

Sergio Garcia was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Practice One Friday afternoon on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his MT Helmets – MSI Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) racetrack in 1:35.473. That time was good enough to lead the field of 28 riders and break the All-Time Lap Record of 1:35.556 set by Alonso Lopez Friday morning.

Lopez was second-best in the afternoon with a 1:35.549 on his Folladore SpeedUp Boscoscuro, just ahead of his teammate Fermin Aldeguer and his 1:35.765.

Manuel Gonzalez was the top non-Boscoscuro rider with a 1:35.780 on his QJMOTOR Gresini Kalex.

American Joe Roberts, the World Championship point leader coming into the event, was fifth in Practice One with a lap of 1:35.783 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Moto2 PR

Moto3: Alonso Lowers His Lap Record At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

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Moto3: Alonso Lowers His Lap Record At Le Mans

David Alonso led Moto3 World Championship Practice One Friday afternoon on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. On board his Pirelli-equipped Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO, Alonso navigated the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) track in 1:40.470, which broke the All-Time Lap Record of 1:40.792 he set just hours earlier. The record coming into the weekend was 1:41.399.

Moto3 PR

Moto2: Lopez P1, Roberts P3 Friday Morning At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

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Moto2: Lopez P1, Roberts P3 Friday Morning At Le Mans

Alonso Lopez topped Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. On board his Pirelli-shod Folladore SpeedUp Boscoscuro, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:35.556, which was not only good enough to lead the field of 28 riders but it was also good enough to eclipse the All-Time Lap Record of 1:35.791 set by Sam Lowes in 2023.

Lopez’s teammate Fermin Aldeguer was second-best with a 1:35.711, which was also under the old lap record.

American Joe Roberts, the current Moto2 World Championship point leader, was third in the session with a 1:35.940 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Moto2 FP

Moto3: Alonso Breaks Record In Opening Practice At Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 10, 2024

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Moto3: Alonso Breaks Record In Opening Practice At Le Mans

David Alonso was fastest in Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO on Pirelli control tires, the young Colombian lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) racetrack in 1:40.792, which led the 26-rider field and smashed Jaume Masia’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:41.399 from 2020.

Moto3 FP

Waters Sets New Lap Record At Roebling Road

David Swarts

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May 9, 2024

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Waters Sets New Lap Record At Roebling Road

Pirelli and Jason Waters Set New Motorcycle Track Record at Roebling Road Raceway

Waters Sets New Lap Record of 1:09.897 Aboard BMW S 1000 RR, Equipped with Pirelli DIABLO Superbike Slick Tires

ATLANTA — Pirelli congratulates Jason Waters on setting the new absolute motorcycle track record at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia, during the WERA motorcycle road racing regional round on Saturday, May 4. Waters’ new lap record of 1:09.897 was set aboard a BMW S 1000 RR equipped with Pirelli DIABLO Superbike slick tires.

“It was an exceptional day at Roebling Road Raceway,” said Waters. “Breaking the lap record was beyond my expectations. Pirelli’s dedication to delivering top-tier performance from their DIABLO Superbike slicks was evident throughout the race, and I’m grateful for their support.”

Waters set the new lap record during the A Superstock class race and relied on the performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike 125/70 R17 SC1 front and DIABLO Superbike 200/65 R17 SC0 rear tires.

“Jason’s accomplishment represents a new standard of excellence,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “Setting track records requires precision and skill, particularly at a circuit like Roebling Road Raceway. We commend Jason on his achievement and are proud to have played a part in his success. This underscores Pirelli’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance in motorcycle racing.”

This record-breaking performance is a testament to Pirelli’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in motorcycle racing. As we look ahead, Pirelli remains dedicated to supporting riders like Waters as they continue to raise the bar in motorcycle road racing across the globe.

DIABLO™ is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tyre S.p.A

North West 200: Cooper, Irwin, Todd Win

David Swarts

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May 9, 2024

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GLENN IRWIN EQUALS SUPERBIKE VICTORY RECORD AT OPENING NIGHT OF ACTION AT BRIGGS EQUIPMENT 2024 NORTH WEST 200

Thursday night at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 saw record breaking performances and fantastic racing as Glenn Irwin, Richard Cooper and Davey Todd took the honours in the Briggs Equipment Superbike, Fraser Homes Supersport and Amici Ristorante Superstock races respectively.

After a day of qualifying in sunshine the sky clouded over for the opening Superbike encounter which produced a stunning start to finish battle between Glen Irwin on the PBM Hager Ducati and Davey Todd’s Milwaukee BMW. The pair were separated by just a few inches throughout the four laps despite Irwin setting a new outright lap record at 125.799mph on the second lap.

Trailing Todd on to the coast road on the final lap, Irwin snatched the lead at Juniper chicane to claim victory by 2.545 seconds and equal the record of nine NW200 Superbike race wins held by Michael Rutter and the late Joey Dunlop.

“That is the hardest I have ever had to ride to win around here,” Irwin told Todd as they embraced in the winner’s enclosure. “It was a fun race but it wasn’t that much fun when I was riding behind Davey. He is riding so good but he was on the limit on some of the scary parts of the track. To win we had to go to his level. Where he’s strong he’s really strong and I had to work hard to win that.”

Glenn Irwin celebrates with his Hager PBM Ducati team. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

Todd was philosophical about losing such a close battle.

“I made a bit of a silly judgement at the end but the bike is an absolute weapon.” he admitted. “I thought I had it worked out as I felt I knew where Glenn was strong and I could have got him at Juniper on the last lap but I made the wrong decision, going to the outside instead of the inside. I’ve just got to try a little harder next time.”

Irwin was delighted to equal the North West 200 Superbike record with nine consecutive victories in the class.

“It’s an amazing achievement to win nine races in a row and although some people ride harder than me here, I can find a way to win.” he said. “And no one else [has] the mindset I have.”

Local favourite, Michael Dunlop claimed the final rostrum spot on what would be an evening of three third place finishes for the Ballymoney man.

“The bike arrived so late and I’ve a few issues from the Cookstown crash, so to finish third isn’t bad,” Michael Dunlop said as he trailed in 14.241 seconds behind Todd on his MD Racing Honda. “I lost the tow at the beginning and that was that. I needed to go with them straightaway as I knew Glenn and Davey would be running a hot pace. Dean and Pete were making a few moves on me but there were no surprises and when it’s two riders you know well and are used to battling with, you know what you’re working with.”

Richard Cooper had vowed to win four races at this year’s NW200 before the racing began and the Nottingham rider started as he intends to go on with victory in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on the BPE Russell Racing Yamaha ahead of Peter Hickman (Trooper Beer Triumph) and Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Triumph). But the race was marked by a crash at York corner on the opening lap when Adam McLean ran out of brakes and crashed, taking out Davey Todd.

Richard Cooper. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

Avoiding the melee, Cooper led Dunlop by 1.2 seconds at the end of lap one with Hickman a further 0.5 sec behind. Cooper’s lead extended to 1.9 seconds on lap two with Hickman still less than a second back on the Ballymoney rider. Cooper continued to open the gap on his pursuers over the final two circuits, taking the chequered flag by 6.537 seconds, but it was Hickman who claimed the runner-up spot after passing Dunlop at Metropole on the final lap.

“I made a bit of a poor start which worked in my favour as it allowed me to watch the drama unfold in front of me at York Corner,” Cooper said as he savoured the victor’s champagne. “Davey looked like he was going to nail the apex but he got wiped out by Adam who came in hot. I nipped through and you take these things when they come your way. I had no pit boards so had no idea how big the lead was but there’s more in the tank if needed.”

Hickman, who arrived at Portrush battered and bruised after three big crashes at last weekend’s Oulton Park BSB meeting, was delighted to pip Dunlop for the runner-up slot.

“It always takes me a while to get going on the Supersport bike, but once I did, I was able to close in on Michael,” he said. “I didn’t want to show my hand too early and passing him at Metropole on the final lap was always the plan. He was really strong out of the Magherabuoy chicane though so it made it that little bit harder but I managed to get it done.”

“I knew Pete was there as I could hear him, so I knew he’d have a bit of a lunge,” a disappointed Dunlop admitted. “He kept it tight at the chicane and braked late so it wasn’t rocket science to realise there was no room for me. We’ve had a few challenges with the bike, but it was pretty equal with Pete’s.”

A determined Davey Todd brushed off his aches and pains to take his place in pole position for the start of the Amici Ristorante Superstock race. Gritting his teeth he led the four lapper from start to finish, winning from Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison with Michael Dunlop once again completing the rostrum.

Davey Todd. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

“To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to ride after the Supersport crash,” Todd explained. “I’m a little bit sore but I didn’t come here to sit on the sidelines so I said to the team ‘I’ll go out and give it a go and see how I feel’. The team have done an awesome job and I’m so happy where I am right now. It’s nice to get a big bike win at last and it means a lot especially after the crash. A lot was going through my mind sitting by the track, wondering if I was going to be able to ride again this weekend. We managed to do that but I’ll be sore tomorrow!”

“I was sitting half a second behind Davey and felt quite comfortable so was ready to have a go on the last lap, but the bike got quite unsettled on the way into Mather’s Cross so I had to run straight on,” Yorkshireman Harrison explained as he trailed in second, 6.971 seconds behind Todd. “I wasn’t sure if anyone was close behind as I had no pit boards, so I re-joined as quick as I could and got going again. The bike was working really well and to get that close to Davey, who’s riding the Superstock bike regularly, is very pleasing. I wanted to get a podium for the team and everyone’s working so hard.”

Dunlop finished 1.9 seconds further back on his MD Racing Honda.

“With three thirds it’s been a steady day,” the Ballymoney man said. “The injury I’m carrying isn’t a practical one, but I’m not here to cry about it and it’s not an excuse, but it’s stopping me getting the most from either myself or the bike. We kept chipping away though and we’ve constantly made strides forward and the main thing today was staying out of trouble. The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in something I didn’t want to!”

Race fans will have another opportunity to meet their North West 200 road racing heroes on Friday at the Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s Meet the Riders event in Coleraine town centre at 2pm.

The race action will resume on Saturday morning after roads close at 9am followed by a six-race programme that begins at 10 am with the Milltown Service Station Supertwins race over four laps followed by the Anchor Bar Superbike race (6 laps), Tides Restaurant Supersport race (6 laps), CP Hire Superstock race (6 laps), John M Paterson Supertwins Race (4 laps) and the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race (6 laps).

MotoGP: Martin Quickest With New Lap Record At Le Mans

May 10, 2024