Thursday night brought us the first three races of the 2019 North West 200 – and what an amazing three races they were.
The weather was glorious, the clouds had broken and the sun was setting nicely out into the Atlantic Ocean, all of which set the scene for some epic road racing along our stunning Northern Irish North Coast.
Track temperatures were hovering close to 30 degrees celsius and the wind, although still blowing was nothing more than a gentle coastal breeze.
Perfect conditions for some Thursday night road racing and things all kicked off with the Supersport 600cc machines, followed by some big(ish) bike action of the superstockers and finishing things off with the supertwins.
I said earlier on today today to watch out in this class. I said earlier on today that Lee Johnston was definitely worth watching in this session and oh my word… Just look what happened!
Lee Johnston takes the win from Seeley who unfortunately after 6 laps of hardcore battle with General Lee Johnston fell at the last.
Importantly he was up and walked away from his off, and hopefully he is good for Saturday, but until the unfortunate incident of Alistair Seeley coming off the bike that was a true modern day motorcycling duel!
Really thrilling racing, which finished with a red flag following the spill from the Wee Wizard.
The final opportunity for the competitors to make the last tweaks and get themselves a qualifying time towards the front row.
Four sessions in this qualifying period lets all the classes get out for one final blast around the triangle, supertwins, superstocks, supersports and superbikes.
After an amazing sun kissed Tuesday session it is a lot more overcast today, however, importantly it is dry and nice and warm. At the start of this session track temperature was 20 degrees celsius and bit of a head wind was slowing things ever so slightly – everything is looking good and once again here is to a safe, enjoyable and fast session.
North West 200 : 16th May 2019 Qualifying / Practice Results :
Right at the start of the session was a little bit of drama for Jeremy McWilliams sliding off at Magherbouy Chicane. McWilliams has registered a qualifying time, but probably won’t have completed enough laps to qualify for the racing – so it will all come down to the Clerk of the Course to use their privilege in determining whether he will be allowed to take the grid.
Derek McGee has shown his excellent form again this morning getting himself to the top of today’s session, second overall. Looks like his form in the Nationals wants to transfer into the Internationals.
Glen Irwin also started with a what looks like a new fire in his belly. He sounded very down on Tuesday, but has started today with a bit of venom, just over 1/10 of second off Derek McGee’s top time for the day.
Jamie Coward finished third for the day but took the overall top spot.
The first International Road Race is here and it is the 90th Anniversary of Northern Ireland’s Largest Sporting Event – The 2019 International North West 200!
The weather is looking glorious for the week ahead and this morning into the afternoon brought us the first of two practice sessions.
Everything from the newcomers to the Superbikes was catered for and here is how things sit after the first qualifying session.
Times will quicken as the teams do a bit of chopping and changing, maybe a little tinkering and tweaking, but things will get quicker and with the sun shining here’s to a massive 90th Anniversary and to a safe and enjoyable event for all riders, teams, marshal, spectators, me and you!
North West 200 : 14th May 2019 Qualifying / Practice Results :
You’ll recognise these guys because for today and Thursday’s Practice Sessions they will be wearing orange bibs. Keep an eye on them them, stars of the future are in here!
#NW200#NorthWest200 #2018 #2018NW200#2018NorthWest200#Live#RoadRacing#NorthernIreland#Motorbikes#Motorcycles Live North West 200 Practice / Qualifying Session : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/northern-ireland/43798025
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The Racing at the 2018 Cookstown 100 got off to an energetic start!
With big and wee bikes all getting in on the action
With teams and privateers all staking their claim…
Then in typical Northern Irish fashion the rain came!
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