NW200: Dean Harrison takes Superbike pole for weekend racing

Dunlop, Hickman and Seeley also take top spots during evening qualifying

Island resident, Dean Harrison claimed pole in the Superbike class for this weekend's racing at the North West 200 following qualifying in all classes last night (7 May).

Shortened evening qualifying slots took place yesterday evening as part of a changed schedule following a fatal incident on the Triangle Circuit on Thursday morning which claimed the life of Czech competitor, Kamil Holan.

During the evening session, Harrison topped the Superbike charts with a best pace of four minutes, 19.165 seconds, taking him just over two seconds clear of second-fastest in class, Glenn Irwin (four minutes, 21.493 seconds).

Rounding out the Superbike top three and also on the front row for upcoming racing was Richard Cooper (four minutes, 23.308 seconds) who was a further 1.8 seconds off the pace of Irwin.

Meanwhile, 33-time TT winner and local rider, Michael Dunlop MBE will start on pole for the Superstock races as he led the way in the class last night with a top pace of four minutes, 23.441 seconds.

That saw Dunlop finish marginally ahead of Cooper in second (four minutes, 23.845 seconds) whilst Harrison will start from third in that category, having posted a best time of four minutes, 24.338 seconds.

Elsewhere the Supertwin/Sportbike session provided close competition which saw Peter Hickman claim pole as he clocked four minutes, 50.226 seconds - he'll start first ahead of last year's race winner in the class, Paul Jordan in second (four minutes, 51.283 seconds) and completing the front row will be veteran rider, Jeremy McWilliams (four minutes, 51.914 seconds).

The final session of Thursday night saw the Supersport competitors head out on course, however the session was red-flagged after the first machines on the road had completed three laps.

Officials say the competitor who was involved in the red flag incident in the Whins area of Portrush was taken to the Royal Victoria hospital, Belfast by ambulance.

During the shortened Supersport session, Alistair Seeley pinched pole with a time of four minutes, 38.608 seconds ahead of Dunlop second (four minutes, 38.975 seconds) and Harrison third (four mintues, 39.202 seconds).

Today is a rest day at the North West 200 with racing set to get underway tomorrow (9 May) - roads around the Triangle Circuit are currently due to close at 9am and reopen no later than 7pm.

Further details on the exact racing programme are to be confirmed - all timings will remain subject to change depending on prevailing conditions and circumstances.