DUNLOP KICKSTARTS HIS ROAD RACING SEASON WITH SPECTACULAR WIN AND LAP RECORD AT NW200 FOR HAWK RACING
DUNLOP KICKSTARTS HIS ROAD RACING SEASON WITH SPECTACULAR WIN AND LAP RECORD AT NW200 FOR HAWK RACING
DUNLOP KICKSTARTS HIS ROAD RACING SEASON WITH SPECTACULAR WIN AND LAP RECORD AT NW200 FOR HAWK RACING
Leicestershire based Hawk Racing enjoyed a triumphant week at the Vauxhall International North West 200 last week, as Michael Dunlop stormed to victory in the first and ultimate Superbike race, securing the outright lap record too. Dunlop started the sole Superbike race in 2nd position behind Alastair Seeley. It was Ian Hutchinson who took the early lead in the opening lap of the Anchor Bar Superbike race, with Dunlop back in sixth, but by lap two the Ballymoney man, on board the Hawk Racing BMW S1000RR, began to take charge moving up to second position. It was during this lap that the Maverick kept his place in the 200mph club, clocking 205.3 through the speed trap. Dunlop went on to secure his place in the record books as the fastest ever rider around the 8.970 mile Triangle Circuit by breaking the lap record with a speed of 123.207mph on lap three, taking the title from former holder; Josh Brookes. As riders crossed the start line entering into their fourth lap of six, the race was red-flagged following an incident involving Bruce Anstey at Church corner. The race was subsequently declared a result with Michael securing the race victory by 5.206 seconds from Ian Hutchinson with a lap time of 4:22.095. Michael Dunlop, "The team have worked really hard on the bike to get it together, we’ve got a good package here at the minute and it seems to be working well for us all. It was good to go out and prove we can still win races." Steve Hicken, Team Manager: “Michael was on perfect form all week, we couldn't have asked for him to give any more. The hard work has paid off and we are all delighted with the results. Taking a win was good enough but to have our machinery set the fastest ever lap was the icing on the cake. We still have more work to put in between now and the TT but its a great to the Road Racing Season for us.” The remainder of the weekends scheduled racing was abandoned after a fatal accident in the Supertwin race. The team send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the rider involved. Earlier in the day Michael finished the Superstock race in 5th position on board his MD Racing BMW S1000RR.
