Irishman Derek Sheils has topped the opening Ulster Grand Prix Superbike qualifying session held in wet conditions today at Dundrod with Michael Dunlop third and Ian Hutchinson in eighth place.
Sheils, who rides for the BE Cookstown team, had a half-second advantage over Honda’s Conor Cummins in second with Dunlop third but more than a second further back.
Returning Manxman Dan Kneen secured fourth place but was more than three seconds off the pace while Wlliam Dunlop - always a good bet in the rain - was fifth. Derek McGee was next along, followed by Jamie Coward and then Hutchinson, some 5.6s in arrears.
Steve Mercer was just ahead of Bruce Anstey in ninth with Dean Harrison in 11th place. Peter Hickman placed 13th, just behind David Jackson with Wilson Crag’s new recruit David Johnson in 14th place.