Spirits in the Black Eagle Racing MV team soared tonight after Dean Harrison blazed to a 109.363 mph lap on their 500cc triple, and Michael Dunlop packed in two 102mph laps to head 350cc qualifying well.
And team owner Mark Kay was quick to direct praise to his 23-year-old son Mitchell, who directed this year's design improvements on the 350. "Mitch told me what he wanted me to do, and I machines it as he instructed," Mark said. "He's redesigned all the valve gear, pistons and electronics."
Dunlop lapped at 102.567mph to head Friday's 350cc qualifying. He is known for his robust riding style, and clearly the team was pleased that their engineering proved equally rugged. They have had to withdraw Dunlop's 500cc machine from the Senior battle after detonation problems caused a loss of compression on one cylinder.