2012 Dundrod 150 Superbike Race
The 2012 Dundrod 150 Superbike race gets underway today, the event part of Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week in Northern Ireland.
And starting the Dundrod 150 SBK race from the pole will be Tyco Suzuki’s Conor Cummins. The Manxman has fought back from career-threatening injuries to run the Dundrod 150 and this Saturday’s Ulster Grand Prix, the final race of the International Road Racing season.
Cummins’ pole arrives after earning five podiums at the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man in July. Cummins currently holds the fastest Superbike lap around Dundrod, set in 2009, at a blistering 133.284mph.
Conor Cummins (Tyco Suzuki GSX-R 1000) says: “Today was absolutely mint. I love the Dundrod circuit and I’ve been looking forward to coming here all year with the Tyco Suzuki boys. It’s only day one and there’s plenty more to come, but pole position on the Superbike is not a bad way to start. I’ve always said it’s the class to perform in but we won’t get carried away. The top five are covered by a second, so with great weather forecast for Thursday, the Dundrod 150 could turn into an epic.”
Joining Cummins on the front row will be Honda’s Michael Dunlop, and Cummins’ teammate and fan favorite, Guy Martin; Martin qualified with a lap of 128.948mph.
Guy Martin (Tyco Suzuki GSX-R 1000) says: “Steady away today but all good and we’re going in the right direction. Front row for tomorrow is good and we can build on that in the morning qualifying session for Saturday’s Superbike races, as I’m sure the times will get quicker from everyone. We’ll sleep on that one, but a good start overall.”
Superbike Qualifying Results [Lap length – 7.4011 miles]:
1. Conor Cummins [Tyco Suzuki] 3mins: 25.858sec – 129.429mph
2. Michael Dunlop [Honda] +0.678sec
3. Guy Martin [Tyco Suzuki] +0.768 – 128.948mph
4. Bruce Anstey [Honda] +0.990sec
5. William Dunlop [Honda] +1.046sec
6. Gary Johnson [Honda] +2.189sec
