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Michael Dunlop makes history at the Isle Of Man TT 2016 as he rewrites the records on his Hawk Racing machinery during the RST Superbike Race.
The Ballymoney man has returned to the road-racing course aboard the machine that saw him dominate the 2014 TT and set a record breaking lap at The International North West 200 earlier this year, taking his 12th win in the opening Superbike race, 19.064 seconds ahead of rival Ian Hutchinson in second and John McGuinness in third.
Michael shown impressive pace during practice week, it seemed that the hard work both rider and team put in ahead of the season were paying off as Dunlop stormed to the fastest lap during Wednesdays practice session, setting a stake raising 131.574mph lap, demoting rival Ian Hutchinson from the overall top spot on the qualifying sheets. The 27 year old continued his impressive form throughout Thursday evenings practice throwing down the gauntlet and breaking the TT 2016 132mph barrier.
During the RST Superbike race the Hawk Racing rider had sensational race pace from the off, smashing the outright lap record on his first lap, with a staggering 133.369 mph, as well as being the first rider to ever complete a sub 17 minute lap time from a standing start, coming in at 16:58.439. The record breaking continued into lap 2 as Dunlop broke his previous lap record with a 133.393 mph and another sub 17 minute lap.
Crucial seconds were claimed off the rest of the pack with The Maverick leaving his fellow competitors 17.3 seconds behind him. It was at the Bungalow during lap 5 that saw the eventual lead on the roads take place. A firm grip on the battle ahead of the pack saw the lead increase to 22.4 seconds over Hutchinson. As the race entered it's closing stages, Hutchy clawed back the lead on the road and a few seconds from the main man but Michael controlled his lead and charged to his 12th victory at the finishing flag with a staggering 19.064 lead over second place Hutchinson.
Results
1) Michael Dunlop - Hawk BMW
2) Ian Hutchinson - Tyco BMW
3) John McGuinness - Honda Racing
Michael Dunlop: “It was really good, I can't complain, the bike was working really well. Everyone had got pace but I just went into it with what I had. We just pushed on, I knew my pace and I kept at it, battering on. There's definitely a 134 in me and maybe even a 135 - there is only one way to find it, and I will be pushing myself for it. I said that I am here to win races, and I've shown today that I can, bagging my 12th TT win and breaking the records too. The boys behind me have worked hard. The effort that they have done is all out their own pockets, they have given me their all. You wouldn't believe the workshop that Stuart and Steve work in and they provide me with the best kit and a great set-up. Stuart has been very loyal to me after last year. Friday is a different day but if the weather is good I will have a good go. I want to keep adding to my tally."
Steve Hicken, Team Manager: “Michael has shown this week what a rider he is. After our success at The International North West 200 we were aiming for the top step of the podium and Michael has given us that win. We couldn't have asked for him to give any more. We are over the moon that our machinery has led to the win and record breaking laps too. I have to give credit to all of the team and sponsors who have helped us to achieve todays results. We have more work to do before Friday, we will work hard with Michael to make sure we are on top form again."
Highlights from today's racing will be broadcast on ITV4 at 21:00 and will available online via ITV Player: Click here.
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