Dean Harrison clocked the quickest Superbike time during Thursday’s delayed qualifying session at the North West 200. Michael Dunlop led the Superstocks, Peter Hickman topped the Supertwins, and Alastair Seeley was fastest in the Supersport session.
Qualifying Rescheduled After Incident
The qualifying session was pushed back to Thursday evening. This followed an earlier halt to the day’s session, caused by an incident at Station Corner where a rider tragically died. The rider’s family has requested their name be withheld but gave permission for the event to continue.
Although three races were scheduled for Thursday night, riders instead received additional practice time.
Harrison Leads Superbike Practice
Harrison, riding a Honda, recorded the fastest Superbike time at an average speed of 124.60mph. His time was 2.3 seconds faster than Glenn Irwin on his Ducati, who clocked 123.491mph. Richard Cooper on a BMW was third-fastest at 122.640mph.
Josh Brookes, Michael Dunlop, and Storm Stacey rounded out the top six.
Dunlop Tops Superstocks
Dunlop secured pole position in the Superstocks on his MD Racing BMW with a speed of 122.578mph. Cooper followed closely behind, just four tenths of a second slower at 122.390mph. Harrison was third with a time of 122.162mph.
Stacey, Brookes, and Paul Jordan completed the top six in the Superstocks timings.
Hickman Fastest in Supertwins
Hickman’s late lap of 111.250mph was enough to lead the Supertwin session. He is aiming for further victories in the class after his double in 2024. Jordan, who won the second Twins race last year, was one second behind Hickman at 110.861mph, with Jeremy McWilliams third at 110.662mph.
Seeley Leads Supersport Before Red Flag
The Supersport session was cut short due to a red flag. Seeley emerged as the fastest rider with a best lap of 115.905mph. Dunlop was slightly slower at 115.752mph, while Harrison continued his strong performance with a time of 115.752mph, placing him third.
- Superbikes: Dean Harrison (124.60mph)
- Superstocks: Michael Dunlop (122.578mph)
- Supertwins: Peter Hickman (111.250mph)
- Supersports: Alastair Seeley (115.905mph)
The rider involved in the incident at the Whins area of Portrush was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast by ambulance.