ULSTER GP: Superpole session planned for Saturday

The MCE Ulster Grand Prix organisers have confirmed that the Superbike Superpole qualifying session will go ahead on Saturday.
Michael Dunlop, who will start at number 1 on his Hawk BMW in the rescheduled Superpole session on Saturday at the MCE Ulster Grand Prix, is joined by Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston and sponsors Darren and Mark McKinstry of McKinstry Skip Hire and James Jamieson of James Jamieson Construction.Michael Dunlop, who will start at number 1 on his Hawk BMW in the rescheduled Superpole session on Saturday at the MCE Ulster Grand Prix, is joined by Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston and sponsors Darren and Mark McKinstry of McKinstry Skip Hire and James Jamieson of James Jamieson Construction.
Michael Dunlop, who will start at number 1 on his Hawk BMW in the rescheduled Superpole session on Saturday at the MCE Ulster Grand Prix, is joined by Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston and sponsors Darren and Mark McKinstry of McKinstry Skip Hire and James Jamieson of James Jamieson Construction.

The new format qualifying session was originally meant to be held during Thursday’s Plant Lubrication (NI) Dundrod 150 races, but was cancelled due to difficult weather conditions.

The fastest 10 riders from practice will line up for the qualifying decider on Saturday following the opening races as they battle it out for pole position for the two scheduled Superbike events.

Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston has stated that Superpole will take place if conditions are suitable. In the event that it does not go ahead, grid positions will be based on Thursday’s Superbike practice session.

Each of the 10 Superpole riders will have one individual warm-up lap immediately followed by one individual flying lap to set their time.

The top ten riders who will contest the Superpole are: 1 – Michael Dunlop, 2 – Peter Hickman, 3 – Bruce Anstey, 4 – Ian Hutchinson, 5 – Dean Harrison, 6 – Conor Cummins, 7 – Derek Sheils, 8 – Gary Johnson, 9 – William Dunlop, 10 – Dan Kneen.

Race chief Johnston said: “I am pretty determined to make this happen and I’d say most of the guys will be happy to get an extra couple of laps in prior to the main event of the day.

“The weather was against us on Thursday but my plan is to stage the Superpole after the second race in what I hope will be a thrilling pre-cursor to the Superbike races. Seeing some of the top boys pushing it on a flying lap of this amazing circuit will be a great spectacle.”