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The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Sunshine, controversy and spectacular racing at Saturday's Briggs Equipment North West 200
A weekend of unbroken sunshine saw tens of thousands of race fans flock to the north coast on Saturday for six races on the 8.9 mile Triangle course at the 2025 Briggs Equipment North West 200. The opening Supertwin encounter saw Richard Cooper (Jack Reid Cars/KMR Kawasaki) take victory by 0.280 seconds from Adam McLean (Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV Yamaha). Advertisement Veteran Jeremy McWilliams completed the podium a further 8.056 seconds back on the JMcC Racing Aprilia. "Good to get the first race out of the way as everyone has come here to watch the racing!' Cooper smiled as he made it a Twins double following his Thursday evening victory in the same class at the event. 14 TWIN IT TO WIN IT: Richard Cooper and Adam McLean battle it out during Saturday's first race, the Maxwell Freight Races Supertwins Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press 14 SUPER COOPER: Richard Cooper celebrates winning the Maxwell Freight Supertwin race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press 'I made a small mistake on the first lap coming into the start and finish chicane when I ran a little bit wide. There was a little damp patch and taking to the grass was the safer option. After that it was a fantastic race with Adam and his bike was working really well. I settled into the race but I knew Adam was strong in the last sector so needed to get ahead of him before then. I defended the line into Juniper and it's nice to get another win' McLean, who led through the start and finish for two of the four laps, was left to rue his impatience on the final circuit. Advertisement "I showed my hand a wee bit early.' he said. 'Richard's riding really well but I tried to control the pace from the front. He played his cards well. He was always going to be tough to beat but I'm happy to have challenged for the win and be back on the podium.' 14 WIN NUMBER THREE: Michael Dunlop on his way to his third victory in the Briggs Equipment Superbike race at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Next up was the six lap Briggs Equipment Superbike race which ended in controversy after Michael Dunlop was declared the winner on the MD Hawk Racing BMW from 8Ten Racing BMW duo, Davey Todd and Peter Hickman. Advertisement Dunlop was battling for the lead on the opening lap with Peter Hickman when they both missed the entrance to Mather's chicane. Hickman attempted to pull up in the stop box as Dunlop carried on through without stopping. Most read in Motors Although a ten second penalty was initially imposed on the Ballymoney man because of the Mather's incident, it did not stand and Dunlop, who lost a lot of time to race leader Todd because of the incident before eventually closing him down, set the fastest lap of the race at 125.539mph and took victory by 1.984 seconds. "It was a good ride but the other riders are complaining.' Dunlop said. 14 ON HIS TODD: Davey Todd comes under pressure as Michael Dunlop closes in during the Briggs Equipment Superbike Race Credit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press Advertisement 'I ran on at Mather's after Pete got deep and he jumped off the grass to go through the stop box which I thought was dangerous. I opted against that for safety reasons and didn't gain any advantage by not going through the stop box." "You can't start swerving across the road so I made a decision and can't see what the fuss is. I caught everyone and won the race. It's just good to win Superbike races again in front of my home crowd." he added. Todd and Hickman took a different view. "As far as I'm concerned I won the race but it's his backyard isn't it?' Todd, who revealed he had mechanical issues with his M1000RR, said. Advertisement 'Michael's riding well and P2 is the official decision but I've no words.' "It's dead simple if you run on at the chicane, you stop in the stop box otherwise you get a ten second penalty.' Hickman, who refused to take his place on the podium, said. 'I stopped but Michael didn't so that's a ten second penalty. That's the rules. Aside from that, the 8TEN Racing BMW was running well but I was a bit slow at the beginning when the tyres were coming up to temperature." "Michael's riding well, which is great to see, and he's got a full factory BMW from SMR like Toprak's, so fair play to him. He's got the best bike on the grid and it's great to be in the battle but I put my foot down in the stop box and did what you're supposed to do.' Advertisement 14 GOOD SPORTS: Richard Cooper is chased down by Dean Harrison during the Tides Restaurant Supersport Race at the North West 200 Credit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press The Tides Restaurant Supersport race was next up. Scheduled to run over four laps, it was red-flagged at half distance following an incident at Church corner. A non-racing emergency caused a further delay before Richard Cooper ran out the winner by 0.140 seconds on the BPE/Russell Racing Yamaha from Dean Harrison on the Honda Racing CBR600RR with Michael Dunlop in third place on the Milwaukee Ducati. Advertisement Cooper was delighted with his victory which was achieved after a frenetic dash involving all three frontrunners through Juniper chicane on the final lap. 14 TASTY RACING: Race 3The start of the Tides Restaurant Supersport race during Saturday's Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press "I thought to myself 'I'm having this one'.' Cooper smiled. 'Michael beat me fair and square on Thursday and he had that one but this one today, no way. If you are going to beat a man there is no better place to do it than in his back garden. I got through the chicane on the last lap and we come here to win. We're up against the best road racers in the world and I'm a part time racer but we beat the best." Advertisement "There was no other option at the chicane other than to go straight on and after that I was in the wrong gear but controlled myself, found the right gear and drove to the line, knowing it would take a brave man to pass me at the final corner. I enjoy winning Supertwin races but to win on the 600 is something special." "I knew at the start it was going to be difficult as four-lap races always are and any time someone came by me, I got straight back past.' Dean Harrison explained as he claimed the first of three runner-up finishes on the day. 'Michael had a do at me at Metropole on the final lap and there was a bit of a coming together but then I had a go at Richard going into the final chicane. I tried to go up the inside but the front was protesting and if I'd squeezed the brake any more all three of us would have gone down. When you're battling like that on the track, there's nothing else like it." 14 PAUL TO PLAY FOR: Paul Jordan races the Jackson Racing/Prosper2 Aprilia to victory in the John M Paterson Supertwin Race Credit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press Advertisement "It was a great race and after everyone was squealing about my Ducati on Thursday, you could see today all the bikes are equal.' Dunlop said after the titanic tussle that saw the top three separated by just 0.294 seconds. 'The two boys went straight on at the final chicane and I knew they were going to make it. They gained a clear advantage over me but what do you say. Yes, I went straight on at a chicane in the Superbike race but lost time, they didn't, they gained time. It was always going to come down to the final chicane and I knew Dean was going to have a lunge. I knew what was coming but it was a frustrating end to the race." Davey Todd (Milenco Padgetts Honda), Peter Hickman (Trooper Beer/PHR Triumph) and Alastair Seeley (CD Racing by MSS Performance Kawasaki) completed the top six as Jeremy McWilliams escaped uninjured from a crash at Mill Road. 14 TAKING STOCK: The pack races down into Millbank at the start of the CP Hire Superstock race during the Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Advertisement The CP Hire Superstock race was an equally intense battle with less than a second covering the first three riders as 8TEN Racing teammates Davey Todd and Peter Hickman were separated by Honda's Dean Harrison in the charge to the chequered flag. "I'm over the moon with that one and I was really fired up after what happened earlier in the Superbike race.' Todd said after getting the verdict by 0.586 seconds. 'The way the day's gone has wound me up a bit and we've not had a lot of luck but the team have done a brilliant job to get the bikes together and we're testing all the time and making changes and improvements all the time. To have both bikes on the podium again is brilliant. It's great racing with Dean and Pete, hard but fair, and the Honda has some top speed on it. It nearly pulled the stickers off the bike. The Superstock's my strongest class and I'm as hungry as I've ever been." 14 HIRE POWER: Davey Todd celebrates winning the CP Hire Superstock race at the 2025 Briggs Equipment North West 200. Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Advertisement "It's great for the team to have two bikes on the podium again.' Hickman, who set the fastest lap of the race at 124.236mph, said. 'Not quite a 1-2 again but good nonetheless. I was up into second at one point and braked earlier than normal at Metropole only to run on so I had to do it all over again. Overall, I'm really happy and I feel really strong on the bike, it's handling so good along places like the coast road, the Link road and at the Roundabout so that bodes well for the TT. It's a double podium again and as a team we can't ask for much more." Harrison, who is still chasing his first win at the North West, said he was 'hanging in there' during the six lapper. 'I was struggling to keep Pete behind me but the Honda's so fast I was able to get back by him.' he explained. Advertisement 'It was hard work and the race took a bit out of me but I'm enjoying riding the bike and it's just good fun out there." Alastair Seeley (SMS/Nicholl Oils BMW) finished fourth, a further 6.792 seconds in arrears as a revitalised Ian Hutchinson took fifth on the MLAV Racing BMW. Paul Jordan completed the top six on the Jackson Racing Honda. 14 GREAT START: Race winner Davey Todd (74, 8TEN Racing BMW) leads off the line in the feature Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike Race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Advertisement Richard Cooper and Adam McLean renewed their Supertwin rivalry in the JM Paterson sponsored event with McLean leading Cooper and setting the fastest lap before the pair collided at Juniper chicane and crashed out without injury on lap three. That left Paul Jordan in a commanding lead on the Jackson Racing by Prosper2 Aprilia, eventually claiming his first NW200 victory by 9.818 seconds from Michael Sweeney (MSR Aprilia) with Barry Furber (DC Autos Yamaha) 5.729 seconds further back. "It's unbelievable.' a delighted Jordan said. 'We didn't have the best practice and had trouble again in the first race and I was struggling to stay with Richard and Adam. Obviously, I hope they're both OK but I'll take the win any day of the week. Paul Jordan- 'International Race winner'-I can't believe it. It's great to see Micko on the podium too after all he's been through." Advertisement 14 SMILES BETTER: Paul Jordan, Michael Sweeney and Barry Furber celebrate their first, second and third place finishes in the JM Paterson Supertwin race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Sweeney was equally ecstatic as he banished all memory of his 2023 crash at the seaside event with the rostrum result. "This is the stuff dreams are made of, it's something special.' the Skerries racer said. 'I've always dreamt of finishing on the podium at an international road race and to do it here, after my accident a couple of years ago, I can't believe it. We put the bike together ourselves and the last lap felt really special. People were waving at me from the Mill Road roundabout onwards and it's something I'll never forget." Advertisement South Africa's Allan Venter (TH Racing/Hywel Griffiths Kawasaki) finished fourth ahead of Darryl Tweed (Novo Gen by FAO Racing Aprilia) and Jonathan Goetschy (Optimark Aprilia). 14 SUPERSTARTS: Davey Todd leads Dean Harrison on his way to winning the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike Race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press The feature Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race brought the curtain down on a scintillating week of road racing in unbroken sunshine along the north coast as Dunlop, Todd, Hickman, Harrison and Seeley renewed their rivalry in the premier class. Hickman retired on the opening lap, leaving the remaining quartet to battle it out over the next three laps before Dunlop also retired on the fourth circuit at Mather's chicane having posted the fastest lap of the race at 125.480mph. Advertisement Todd and Harrison were locked in a scrap for the lead when the red flags appeared on the fifth lap after a rider crashed out at Quarry Hill. The rider, who suffered non-life threatening injuries, was treated at trackside before being flown to hospital by the NI Air Ambulance. 14 BURN BABY BURN: Davey Todd celebrates winning the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike Race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press With the leading group having completed two thirds distance, Todd was awarded the victory by 0.398 seconds from Harrison with Alastair Seeley claiming a podium finish on his return to North West 200 competition in third. Advertisement Ian Hutchinson (MLAV Racing BMW), Josh Brookes (Jackson Honda Racing by Prosper2) and John McGuinness (Honda Racing) completed the top six. The race also saw North West 200 veteran, Michael Rutter, complete 100 race starts at the seaside event where he made his debut in 1992. Read more on the Irish Sun 'I'm over the moon to get the feature Superbike race win, it's the one I've been chasing for the last few years but has always eluded me.' Davey Todd said as he was also presented with the Robert Dunlop trophy as the Balloo Hire Rider of the Meeting award. 'The Superbike win on Thursday was great but what happened in the first one today when I 'won' but had it taken away from me fired me up for the rest of the day. I'm normally relaxed when I go racing but from that moment I was fired up. I don't get angry, but I did today. I wasn't able to get away in the race and Dean kept me honest all the way so hats off to him. It was fantastic to see all the fans and people have been cheering us on all week.' Advertisement 14 ON THE BALL: Davey Todd receives the Balloo Rider of the Meeting Award from General Manager Kieran Carville Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press
Belfast Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
North West 200 is ‘real gem' says deputy First Minster as DUP colleagues soak up the sun
The annual motorcycle event once again attracted tens of thousands of spectators from around the world. With a thrilling line up of races, including the superbikes and 600s, the event proved to be another resounding success for organisers. Mrs Little-Pengelly was among those who flocked to the north coast and was seen mingling with with racing legends. 'Many, many thousands of spectators enjoying the wonderful display here, the racing here,' she said in a video uploaded to her Facebook page. WATCH: Hundreds of bikers arrive in Belfast ahead of North West 200 'The North West 200 is a real gem in the sporting calendar for Northern Ireland, showcasing our wonderful north coast and the sport for many millions of people in many countries all over the world. 'We're really proud of the North West 200. "It's great to be here today to how them my support.' She was also captured with triumphant winners and key sporting figures – such as Ballymoney man, Michael Dunlop – in addition to enjoying some time on the beach with a party colleague. 'Well, I couldn't go to the incredible North Coast without dipping the toes in the sea,' she captioned the post. 'And bumped into my good friend, Mervyn Storey. "It's a small world indeed, what a glorious day.' DUP leader and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson who also met with the nephew of the late Joey Dunlop after he secured his third win of the week on Saturday. 'Wonderful to see Michael Dunlop on tip top form, superbly dominating the course,' he wrote on social media. 'Great to meet him, Davey Todd and Glenn Irwin. "Showcasing the finest of NI.' England's Davey Todd claimed three victories this year including in the Superbike race at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 and Saturday's Superstock race. He celebrated his maiden Superbike race on Thursday after previously finishing second behind Glenn Irwin five times.
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Road racing star says he has competed in last North West 200 after controversial ruling
This year's Briggs Equipment North West 200 had it all – drama, controversy, pain and joy, and a bombshell parting shot from one of the sport's biggest names, who says his days of racing on the north coast are over. Peter Hickman was incensed after the opening Superbike race when crowd favourite Michael Dunlop was confirmed as the winner, with Hickman arguing the Ballymoney rider should have incurred a time penalty for failing to stop at Mathers chicane.
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Davey Todd secures feature Superbike title for third win of week
Davey Todd claimed victory in the feature Superbike race at this year's Briggs Equipment North West 200 after Ballymoney's Michael Dunlop secured his third win of the week in controversial fashion earlier in the day. England's Todd, who also won Saturday's Superstock race to make it three wins of his own, held off Dean Harrison in a thrilling feature race to end a superb week on the north coast. But the talking point came in the first Superbike race of the day which saw Dunlop crowned the winner despite cutting through a chicane and not stopping in the stop-box. Race organisers determined that Dunlop would not have to serve a ten-second penalty, angering Todd and Peter Hickman, who finished second and third respectively, with the latter so incensed that he boycotted the podium presentation. Dunlop, who ended his nine-year wait for a North West 200 win with two victories on Thursday, nearly made it four for the week when he pulled ahead in the feature Superbike race but a mechanical fault forced him out of the race. There was more local joy in the second Supertwins race of the day as Magherafelt's Paul Jordan claimed his first North West 200 win as he benefitted from lead pair Adam McLean and Richard Cooper taking each other out on the penultimate lap. Cooper had claimed victory in the opening race of the day, the first Supertwins race, as he prevailed in another ding-dong battle with McLean, and he would go on to make his a double by winning the Supersport race as well. Relive all the action from our LIVE blog below! 3 minutes ago That's our lot! What a day of racing, headlined by that remarkable and controversial Superbike win for Michael Dunlop earlier in the day that saw Peter Hickman boycott the podium. That decision will be talked about for a while. But there were headlines throughout the day, from Magherafelt man Paul Jordan's first North West 200 win in the Supertwins to Richard Cooper's Supertwins and Supersport double, and finally to Davey Todd's sensational week that saw him claim three wins including the feature Superbike race after a superb duel with Dean Harrison, who finished the week with five podiums of his own. Thanks for your company over the last few days - only a year to go until we do it all again! 16 minutes ago Still we wait The riders are still stranded at Metropole, so we're still waiting for the celebrations and any post-race reaction. We'll also bring you any information about the red flag incident when we get it. 28 minutes ago DAVEY TODD WINS So with the race red-flagged, it is now official: Davey Todd has won the North West 200 Superbike feature race as he led on the final lap! Dean Harrison will take yet another second place, he's had a remarkable week with five podiums but is still waiting for his first win at the north coast, while Alastair Seeley finishes third for his 44th podium at the North West! 32 minutes ago RED FLAG The race is over as the red flags come out and Davey Todd is going to win! We'll let you know if there's any more information on the red flag incident but the riders are being pulled over at Metropole, so the incident must be on the coast road. 32 minutes ago Into University And it's Davey Todd who still leads! Dean Harrison can't find the slipstream and Todd is the man with the advantage as we reach the halfway point of the lap! 33 minutes ago End of lap 5 (of 6) 1. Davey Todd 2. Dean Harrison +0.398 3. Alastair Seeley +3.097 4. Ian Hutchinson +14.860 5. Josh Brookes +7.826 One lap to go at this year's North West 200 and it is still right in the mix! Seeley is probably out of it now but it's a coin toss between Todd and Harrison! 35 minutes ago Davey starting to pull away Dean Harrison is still right behind him but Todd has created a little bit of a gap here as they come onto the coast road. Will it be enough or does Harrison have a trick up his sleeve? 36 minutes ago Seeley on a Superstock As I mentioned, Alastair Seeley is riding a Superstock bike which begs the question for me, what if he was on a Superbike? You'd be hard pressed to say he wouldn't be right up there in contention to win which, arguably, he still is even on a weaker bike. 37 minutes ago End of lap 4 (of 6) 1. Davey Todd 2. Dean Harrison +0.171 3. Alastair Seeley +2.003 4. Ian Hutchinson +11.179 5. Josh Brookes +9.705 Alastair Seeley is hanging in there but it does look like it's going to be either Todd or Harrison to win this race! 40 minutes ago DUNLOP OUT! Oh my goodness! Just when it looked like Michael Dunlop was quids-in to win, he pulls up at Mather's chicane and is out of this race! No smoke from his bike but there's some sort of mechanical issue and he is done! Davey Todd leads from Dean Harrison, with Alastair Seeley - who is on a Superstock bike, it should be mentioned - up to third! 41 minutes ago BMW power Michael Dunlop manages to get past Davey Todd and into the lead before we even reach Station corner, and then the BMW is so strong that it manages to hold off Todd's attempt to use the slipstream to retake the lead going down into University! This race might be over already! 42 minutes ago End of lap 3 (of 6) 1. Davey Todd 2. Michael Dunlop +0.138 3. Dean Harrison +0.210 4. Alastair Seeley +2.312 43 minutes ago Dunlop into second! Can anybody stop the Ballymoney man this week? He's overtaken Dean Harrison into second coming out of Metropole! 44 minutes ago Three-way race now Michael Dunlop has closed right behind Dean Harrison, with Davey Todd having retaken the lead going down towards Mather's Chicane, and this is suddenly an incredible race on our hands! 45 minutes ago Here's Harrison! He's close enough to get the slipstream going down towards University and he takes advantage, going down the inside of Davey Todd to take the lead! 46 minutes ago End of lap 2 (of 6) 1. Davey Todd 2. Dean Harrison +0.254 3. Michael Dunlop +1.802 4. Alastair Seeley +1.301 5. Ian Hutchinson +4.797 6. John McGuinness +6.203 It's close at the top now and Michael Dunlop is in hot pursuit... 47 minutes ago Close at Metropole Dean Harrison has closed right up behind Davey Todd, only furthering the belief that the Dunlop tyres, once they warm up, are just as fast as the Metzeler tyres that are being used by Todd. This race is far from over. 49 minutes ago Dunlop into third He's caught Alastair Seeley down the road to Coleraine in the slipstream and now he'll be eyeing up Dean Harrison in second. Could he make it four wins this week at the North West 200 after nine years without a win? 50 minutes ago End of lap 1 (of 6) 1. Davey Todd 2. Dean Harrison +0.850 3. Alastair Seeley +2.149 4. Michael Dunlop +0.943 5. John McGuinness +3.745 6. Michael Rutter +0.578
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Home fans celebrate on opening night of race action at the Briggs Equipment North West 200
MICHAEL Dunlop gave the home crowd the result they wanted with a brilliant double during the opening night of racing at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 on Thursday. The Ballymoney man, who hadn't won a race at Portrush since 2016, took victory in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on his Milwaukee V2 Ducati and steered his MD Racing BMW to a second Thursday night triumph in the Amici Ristorante Superstock event. "It's nice to win in Northern Ireland again at international level!' the Ballymoney rider smiled after leading Richard Cooper (Russell Racing/BPE Yamaha) home by 0.378 sec in the Supersport encounter with Davey Todd 0.121 sec behind on the Milenco Padgett's Honda. 'I knew I could win here again and the local fans are fantastic so I really enjoyed it. We struggled a bit with the bike at the beginning of the week and there's still more to come from it but having been on the wrong end of things in the past I pulled my finger out to make sure I was in the right place at the right time this time around.' 7 BACK ON THE PODIUM: Dunlop hadn't won at the NW200 since 2016 and the fans loved seeing him back on the podium after winning the Fraser Homes Supersport Race Credit: Stephen Davison 7 GOOD SPORT: Northern Ireland First Minister, Michelle O'Neill joins Fraser Homes Kim Cunningham with Briggs Equipment North West 200 Supersport race winner, Michael Dunlop, runner-up Richard Cooper and third placed Davey Todd on the podium on Thursday evening Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON Dunlop came off his Ducati at the Magherabouy chicane during a qualifying session earlier in the day, but showed no signs of that getting in the way of victory. He was joined on the Supersport race rostrum by Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, who was making her first visit to the north coast races. 'The slipstream here means you can pull people back with a couple of good sectors.' Dunlop explained. 'I was strong in the second half of the race, which I needed to be as Davey (Todd) and Richard (Cooper) are good riders and on good bikes.' Cooper, who won the same race 12 months earlier, reflected on what might have been. ''I felt I had to be at the front at all times so I could keep my cards close to my chest especially as a four-lap race is quite short. I could hear the big Ducati behind me but I wasn't prepared for the speed of it when it came by me at Magherabouy. That was pretty special and it felt like a superbike! My Yamaha was fantastic though and whether the result is first, second or third, I always give everything and always enjoy the battles. I need to mention the boys who passed away at Oulton at the weekend. I would have loved to have won it for them as I worked with Shane and it's a tough time for Hannah and the kids and the whole family. As racers, we're selfish and you push these things to the back of your mind but it's not that we're not thinking about it." Most read in Motors 7 SUN KISSED: A huge crowd enjoyed the action on the opening night of racing at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON "Third's not the position I wanted especially having fought for the win for the majority of the race.' a disappointed Davey Todd said. 'To end in third is disappointing but a couple of bikes out there are pretty fast and when that Ducati came past, I couldn't even stay in the slipstream. The Padgett's Milenco Honda was superb so we'll have to try again in Saturday's race." Dunlop was elated to make it a double in the final race of the evening as he claimed victory from Dean Harrison by 2.659 seconds on the Honda Racing Fireblade. And third placed Ian Hutchinson, who finished a further 5.815 seconds back, gave Michael Laverty's new road racing team- MLAV Racing BMW- it's first between the hedges rostrum result. "I rode hard for that one and I think I deserved the win.' Dunlop said. 'It was tough at the beginning and I could see Davey (Todd) getting away so I'm delighted to get another win. We had a little setback with the spill this morning and we've had an issue with the Superbike which hopefully the boys back in Germany can sort but it's great to get another win. It's been so long since winning around and it's felt like a kick in the teeth year on year whilst there's always been meetings where I haven't been fit. Winning again takes a bit of the weight off my shoulders." 7 TAKING STOCK: Michael Dunlop on his way to win the MICI Superstock race Credit: Stephen Davison Dean Harrison, who was appearing on the podium for the second time during the evening as he continues to chase his first win at Portrush, said he was happy to finish runner-up after making a bad start to the race. 'I was down in eighth at the beginning but Peter Hickman overshot Magherabouy and Davey ran on at University so I was able to pick my way through. We missed half of the practice session and I was struggling to shift through the first three gears in the race and I had nothing left at the end.' For Hutchy, who was making his first trip to the NW200 rostrum since 2017, third place was a morale boosting result. "Michael Laverty gave me a call in November about getting involved in the project but it's literally only come together these last four weeks! It's my first podium here since 2017 and I've had a nightmare since then but I never stopped believing in myself and just kept going. I hope my daughter's watching back home as daddy can still ride!" 7 FIRST NW200 SUPERBIKE WIN: Davey Todd wins from Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman during the Mikwaukee Superbike at Briggs Equipment North-West 200 on Thursday Credit: Rod Neill/Pacemaker Press It was a brilliant day for Monster Energy athletes as Davey Todd won the opening Milwaukee Superbike race, his first NW200 victory in the premier class, and his team-mate, Peter Hickman was third. Joining them on the podium was Dean Harrison while fellow Monster athelete Dunlop was fourth on this occassion. 'A Superbike win is the one that's been eluding me for quite a while so to finally get it done is really special, especially with Pete on the podium as well.' Todd smiled. 'The team's been set up in the space of about eight weeks so a massive shout out to all the boys and the sponsors for making it happen and they've pulled it out of the bag. A first and third is a good way to start. I've been struggling to get off the line with the bike which is unlike me as that's normally one of my strengths, but I nailed it in the race which is when it counts. I wanted to lead from the front, so I set a steady pace and was ready to push harder at the end if need be. This one's special.' 7 AND THEY'RE OFF: The opening Milwaukee Superbike Race during Thursday evening's North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison Hickman lost ground after making a mistake at York Corner on the opening lap, running wide. 'I wasn't too bothered though and was happy with what I was doing.' Hickman said. 'But Dean bridged the gap to Davey quicker than I was able to do. I'd caught them up by the last lap but then lost the rear at Church and whilst a 1-2 would have been nice for the team first time out on the roads, we've got to be happy with a 1-3. I get quicker as the race goes on so with Saturday's races being longer maybe that will play into my hands.' 'Peter overshot York on the first lap which pulled me wide as well but I managed to drag Davey back in although I struggled to pull out of his slipstream.' Harrison explained. Read more on the Irish Sun 'As soon as I did I was being buffeted all over the place. I was also struggling to get the drive out of Black Hill and then ran deep into Juniper but I'm happy with second.' Before the opening Superbike race of the evening was flagged off all of the competitors in the event observed a minute's silence in honour of VE Day. 7 RESPECT: Briggs Equipment North West 200 competitors observe a minute's silence in honour of VE Day before racing commenced on Thursday evening Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON
