Cummins sets Ulster Superbike pace

Manxman Conor Cummins set the pace on the first day of practice in the Superbike class at the McKinstry Skip Hire Ulster Grand Prix yesterday (Wednesday).

The Tyco TAS Suzuki rider lapped the superfast Dudrod circuit at 129.429 and was 0.678s quicker than Michael Dunlop on the Hunt’s/McAdoo Honda.

Dunlop was suffering again from two slipped discs in his back – an ailment that affected him at the Armoy races and resurfaced just one lap into the first session  practice earlier in the day for the Supertwins.

Cummins’ team-mate Guy Martin was third quickest from Bruce Anstey, William Dunlop and Gary Johnson. Best of the Dundrod rookies was Dean Harrison, 11th quickest on his Team RC Express Kawasaki.

William Dunlop set a blistering pace in the Supersport class with a best lap of 125.69 on his Wilson Craig Honda. He was 1.65s quicker than nearest rival Bruce Anstey on the Padgetts Honda.

Michael Dunlop was third overall from Martin, Johnson and Dan Kneen, in his comeback ride on the Marks Blooms Suzukis, after injuring his back in a crash at the TT.

The final session for superbike and superstock machines was cancelled due to low sun creating a serious lack of vision on certain parts of the course.