TT 2026: Dunlop sets unofficial Sportbike record in afternoon practice

Thirty-three-time winner also sets new Supersport qualifying best lap

Michael Dunlop MBE set a new, unofficial lap record at the Isle of Man TT Races during the latest qualifying session of 2026 this afternoon (27 May).

The 33-time TT winner topped the Sportbike timings at 123.557mph from a standing start on his MD Racing Paton Supertwin machine, eclipsing his own official record in the class set last year at 123.056mph.

As his latest benchmark pace was done in a practice session, it won't go down in the history books as a record must be set during a race.

Nevertheless, the Ballymoney man's sheer pace saw him finish the Sportbike session just under 23 seconds clear of second-fastest rider, Mike Browne (121.03mph) whilst third-quickest in the category was Paul Jordan (120.475mph), just over five seconds back off of Browne.

Meanwhile, Dunlop wasn't stopping there with the big statements as he also went quickest in the Supersport machines at 128.315mph - a speed which is now the fastest qualifying lap ever set on the Snaefell Mountain Course on a Supersport bike.

That lap on the MD Racing Ducati saw him end the combined Supersport/Sportbike session as the only rider to go beyond 128mph average lap pace.

In behind him at second and third quickest respectively in Supersport, there was almost nothing to choose between Peter Hickman (127.245mph) and Dean Harrison (127.242mph) with only two-tenths of a second separating both of their best displays.

Following the opening two-wheeled action, attention turned to Sidecar timed practice with the defending champions, Ryan and Callum Crowe, setting the standard some way clear of the rest of the field with a best speed on their second, flying lap of 118.468mph.

That put the Jurby brothers just shy of 17 seconds further ahead of second-quickest, Ben Birchall and Mark Wilkes (116.573mph) whilst rounding out the sidecar top three in the afternoon was Pete Founds & Jevan Walmsley (115.399mph).

The afternoon's action then came to a close with the Superbike/Superstock machinery - having set the best pace in opening qualifying last night, Dean Harrison impressed again, this time to top the Superstock boards at 133.867mph, nearly 15 seconds ahead of Michael Dunlop (131.952mph) who, in turn, was just under 13 seconds ahead of Manxman, Nathan Harrison (130.318mph) who impressed again at third-quickest of the Superstock competitors.

Meanwhile, just nine Superbikes went out on the Snaefell Mountain Course this afternoon - leading the way on those was Peter Hickman on the 8TEN Racing BMW at 131.328mph.

The Superbike/Superstock session was brought to a close sooner than previously scheduled due to a non-racing medical emergency which required emergency services vehicles having to access sections of the course.

Roads around the course will reopen no later than 4.30pm this afternoon, except for the Mountain Road section which will stay closed.

Then at 6pm, all highways around the course will close again for this evening's qualifying before reopening for a final time today no later than 9.30pm.