Michael Dunlop struggled with bike issues during final qualifying for the 2021 Daytona 200 and will start today’s race from 21st.

The Isle of Man TT legend finished 5.441s behind poleman Sean Dylan Kelly who set a 1’48.896 compared to Dunlop’s 1’54.337.

“It’s been a disappointing start to the Daytona 200 for Michael with endless amount of trouble that’s restricted his track time and with further issues meaning the bike is struggling too,” said a team statement.

“He would like to express thanks to his team for all the work trying to fix the issues and like to thank everyone that has lent him parts and have came to help him try and at least get out for qualifying he has assured us that he and the team will work all night to get the bike going for tomorrow’s race but with the issues it really is going to be a battle.”

Floridian Kelly (18) became the youngest-ever polesitter, posting a fast lap of 116.037mph and received a special edition, one-of-a-kind Arai helmet during the trophy presentation in Victory Lane.

Kelly will be followed by the second-fastest qualifier and defending cchampion Kyle Wyman on a Yamaha (115.621). Third-fastest was rider Michael Barnes on a Yamaha (114.697) with fourth-place qualifier Tyler O’Hara on a Kawasaki (114.520).

“We did a great job today,” said Kelly. “This makes it two times I have been here and we have two poles. The important thing, however, is tomorrow with the race. We have really been focusing on our race pace. I am happy with the work we did and am super thankful for this position.

“We all want that Rolex. We had second place in 2019, and it definitely left something inside of us to come back and win. We are here to work, and here to win.”

2021 Daytona 200 qualifying results