Marc Marquez goes quickest in the post-race test at Misano for MotoGP, while Suzuki also tested their bike for next year, and Yonny Hernandez tested for Pramac Ducati.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/test+misano+motogp
Monday, September 16, 2013
Moto 2: San Marino
Here are the highlights of the Moto 2 race from the Misano Adriatico circuit. This is round twelve of the Moto 2 championship. Six races to go. Pol Espargaro trails Scott Redding by 38 points. This event for Moto 2 will be 26 laps. The track temperature is getting warmer. The wind picks up. Hoping for no rain. Takaaki Nakagami is third. Tito Rabat is second. Pol Espargaro has pole position. Scott Redding is going to roll off fifth.
Alex de Angelis, on row seven, is from San Marino. Steven Odendaal is back racing after his big warmup crash at Silverstone, as the bikes are on their warmup lap. The warmup lap is complete. We're ready for a start to this one. Good start from Scott Redding. Good start from Julian Simon. There's passing going on already in this 26 lap race. Scott Redding has already passed. Tito Rabat and Pol Espargaro are 1-2 into Quercia. Xavier Simeon runs wide. Dominik Aegerter is running well. They come to Curvone flat out on a Moto 2 bike.
Again, these are 600cc machines. Now, Nakagaami passes Rabat. Dominik Aegerter is starting to move up. Something lists Xavier Simeon as leading. That's not true as the timing is out. Into Quercia again. Anthony West is now tenth, and may have added a spot. Oh. Nope. Back into Curvone. Nakagaami is closing up on Espargaro. Nakagami is there, and so is Dominik Aegerter, who started tenth. Nakagaami runs fast lap at 1:38.5. Pol Espargaro holds off Nakagami's challenge, going into the last turn.
Espargaro is just in front of Nakagami. Tito Rabat is third. Tom Luthi runs seventh right now, two laps into this race. Nakagaami makes his move at La Quercia. He makes the move stick. Rabat holds off Scott Redding, down the back straight. Johann Zarco is running well. The battles are starting to heat up. Mika Kallio was passed very late by Xavier Simeon, as Mattia Passini had also tried to get by. Dominik Aegerter sets new fast lap. Not sure what the time is. Redding is slower than Aegerter through the tenth turn and into the final right hand turn sequences.
Espargaro is going to have to throw evrything he's got at Redding, including the kitchen sink. Redding sticks a pass on Aegerter. Brave stuff from both of these guys. Go for it. Nakagami is moving ahead of Espargaro and Rabat. Tito Rabat sets his personal best lap time. They run into Curvone, as the battle of the team mates, continues. Yellow flags in to Quercia? Hmmm. Simone Corsi has fallen out of twelfth place. Anthony West, Marcel Schrotter, and Nico Terol, move up.
Tito Rabat sets his personal best lap time. Redding is 6/10ths of a second slower than Pol Espargaro. This race is settling into a pace as Nakagaami runs laps in the 1:38 range. Espargaro runs a personal best of 1:38.2. Nakagami also sets an identical lap time. Aegerter and Johann Zarco continue to follow behind Scott Redding. Espargaro sets another personal best lap time. Espargaro might have tire issues. Then again, maybe not.
Aegerter passes Redding. Nakagaami's gap is 2.1 seconds right now. Johann Zarco also goes around Scott Redding's Marc VDS bike. Redding is 4/10ths quicker than Aegerter and a tenth up on Zarco. Anthony West gets into a slight tangle with Xavier Simeon. The front gap closes a bit. Thitipong Warokorn from Thailand, falls. But, back to the front, Nakagami wants this win. He's been second in the last three races. The gap is up to two seconds. Tito Rabat sets a personal best lap, and he's closing on Pol Espargaro as Scott Redding is still trying to pass Dominik Aegerter. Tom Luthi is lurking, too.
Nakagami is feeling for tire wear as Scott Redding is now dealing with Tom Luthi. The gap closes to 1.1 seconds between the Team Harmony riders (Rabat and Espargaro). Redding might be able to pull out the stops at the end of this race. We'll see. Aegerter, Zarco, Luthi, and Redding, all battle over fourth spot with just six laps left. Five now, actually. The gap is closing. 1.4 seconds. Rabat is motoring. Nakagami might be worried about losing this race.
Nakagami leads again. Espargaro also wants this. Tom Luthi is up to fourth. Aegerter runs deep trying to pass Luthi. New fast lap from Espargaro. 1:38 flat! 1:38.070. Four laps remaining now. Espargaro might catch Nakagami. He's straining every sinew right now. Espargaro is closing as the bikes start their next lap with three remaining. Espargaro must ride the wheels off his motorcycle. Redding is stuck in seventh, still. Luthi, Aegerter, and Zarco, are ahead of Redding. Back into Quercia again. Nakagami's armor is starting to crack.
Espargaro is closing right up on Nakagami. Both these guys are desperate. Nakagami wants a win. Espargaro wants to get the points to catch up to Redding in the championship. Espargaro leads now, with two lkaps to go. Nakagami must respond, after having a three second lead at one point. Espargaro lengthens his gap. Just over a lap left now. It looks like Nakagami is going to have to settle for second. This is the last lap. This could be the most important Moto 2 win of Espargaro's career.
Nakagami is coming back. Has he got something left in the locker? Half a lap left. Unfortunately, Nakagami is not going to get there. Pol Espargaro is going to win this race.
#40 Pol Espargaro ESP Kalex Granollers
The next race is in Spain at Motorland Aragon, in two weeks.
Alex de Angelis, on row seven, is from San Marino. Steven Odendaal is back racing after his big warmup crash at Silverstone, as the bikes are on their warmup lap. The warmup lap is complete. We're ready for a start to this one. Good start from Scott Redding. Good start from Julian Simon. There's passing going on already in this 26 lap race. Scott Redding has already passed. Tito Rabat and Pol Espargaro are 1-2 into Quercia. Xavier Simeon runs wide. Dominik Aegerter is running well. They come to Curvone flat out on a Moto 2 bike.
Again, these are 600cc machines. Now, Nakagaami passes Rabat. Dominik Aegerter is starting to move up. Something lists Xavier Simeon as leading. That's not true as the timing is out. Into Quercia again. Anthony West is now tenth, and may have added a spot. Oh. Nope. Back into Curvone. Nakagaami is closing up on Espargaro. Nakagami is there, and so is Dominik Aegerter, who started tenth. Nakagaami runs fast lap at 1:38.5. Pol Espargaro holds off Nakagami's challenge, going into the last turn.
Espargaro is just in front of Nakagami. Tito Rabat is third. Tom Luthi runs seventh right now, two laps into this race. Nakagaami makes his move at La Quercia. He makes the move stick. Rabat holds off Scott Redding, down the back straight. Johann Zarco is running well. The battles are starting to heat up. Mika Kallio was passed very late by Xavier Simeon, as Mattia Passini had also tried to get by. Dominik Aegerter sets new fast lap. Not sure what the time is. Redding is slower than Aegerter through the tenth turn and into the final right hand turn sequences.
Espargaro is going to have to throw evrything he's got at Redding, including the kitchen sink. Redding sticks a pass on Aegerter. Brave stuff from both of these guys. Go for it. Nakagami is moving ahead of Espargaro and Rabat. Tito Rabat sets his personal best lap time. They run into Curvone, as the battle of the team mates, continues. Yellow flags in to Quercia? Hmmm. Simone Corsi has fallen out of twelfth place. Anthony West, Marcel Schrotter, and Nico Terol, move up.
Tito Rabat sets his personal best lap time. Redding is 6/10ths of a second slower than Pol Espargaro. This race is settling into a pace as Nakagaami runs laps in the 1:38 range. Espargaro runs a personal best of 1:38.2. Nakagami also sets an identical lap time. Aegerter and Johann Zarco continue to follow behind Scott Redding. Espargaro sets another personal best lap time. Espargaro might have tire issues. Then again, maybe not.
Aegerter passes Redding. Nakagaami's gap is 2.1 seconds right now. Johann Zarco also goes around Scott Redding's Marc VDS bike. Redding is 4/10ths quicker than Aegerter and a tenth up on Zarco. Anthony West gets into a slight tangle with Xavier Simeon. The front gap closes a bit. Thitipong Warokorn from Thailand, falls. But, back to the front, Nakagami wants this win. He's been second in the last three races. The gap is up to two seconds. Tito Rabat sets a personal best lap, and he's closing on Pol Espargaro as Scott Redding is still trying to pass Dominik Aegerter. Tom Luthi is lurking, too.
Nakagami is feeling for tire wear as Scott Redding is now dealing with Tom Luthi. The gap closes to 1.1 seconds between the Team Harmony riders (Rabat and Espargaro). Redding might be able to pull out the stops at the end of this race. We'll see. Aegerter, Zarco, Luthi, and Redding, all battle over fourth spot with just six laps left. Five now, actually. The gap is closing. 1.4 seconds. Rabat is motoring. Nakagami might be worried about losing this race.
Nakagami leads again. Espargaro also wants this. Tom Luthi is up to fourth. Aegerter runs deep trying to pass Luthi. New fast lap from Espargaro. 1:38 flat! 1:38.070. Four laps remaining now. Espargaro might catch Nakagami. He's straining every sinew right now. Espargaro is closing as the bikes start their next lap with three remaining. Espargaro must ride the wheels off his motorcycle. Redding is stuck in seventh, still. Luthi, Aegerter, and Zarco, are ahead of Redding. Back into Quercia again. Nakagami's armor is starting to crack.
Espargaro is closing right up on Nakagami. Both these guys are desperate. Nakagami wants a win. Espargaro wants to get the points to catch up to Redding in the championship. Espargaro leads now, with two lkaps to go. Nakagami must respond, after having a three second lead at one point. Espargaro lengthens his gap. Just over a lap left now. It looks like Nakagami is going to have to settle for second. This is the last lap. This could be the most important Moto 2 win of Espargaro's career.
Nakagami is coming back. Has he got something left in the locker? Half a lap left. Unfortunately, Nakagami is not going to get there. Pol Espargaro is going to win this race.
#40 Pol Espargaro ESP Kalex Granollers
The next race is in Spain at Motorland Aragon, in two weeks.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
MotoGP round 13: San Marino
MotoGP returns to Italy for the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano Adriatico circuit Marco Simoncelli in the province of Ramini, Italy.
This is Valentino Rossi's home track. Just six races are left on the schedule for 2013. Every win by any of the top riders, will be for the championship chase. Ten minutes from now, the race will start. Now, Marc Marquez fell in the warmup, and fortunately, did not get hurt. Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez have both fallen in the past. Some of the crashes have been brutal. But, their suits aree fully kangaroo or cow leather. They have plastic protectors on the elbows and knees. They also have an airbag system in the shoulders and back, that is computerized. The airbags are contained in the suit, to protect the rider, because the g forces are so high during the crashes.
In the helmets, there isn't much special except for the rearoffs. They are made from fiberglass and one of the big helmet makers is called Shoei. So, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo, have all been hurt at times this season. In qualifying, Marquez took his sixth pole of the season with a 1:32.915 after crashing in practice. Jorge Lorenzo takes second spot. Valentino Rossi is third. Dani Pedrosa is third, alongside Cal Crutchlow and Aleix Espargaro.
Michele Pirro is again subbing for Ben Spies, riding bike #51. Karel Abraham might have shoulder surgery this coming week after this race. We are three minutes away from a start of this race. The bikes are on their warmup lap on the Adriatic coast. Marquez shatters Casey Stoner's lap record. Yamaha has a new seamless transmission for their bikes. This track is 2.6 miles. It will run for 28 laps. The track was built in 1969 and modified five years ago in 2008.
We're ready! At the start, Aleix Espargaro has jumped the start. Espargaro passess Valentino Rossi. Cal Crutchlow and Valentino Rossi try their best. Rossi gets swamped. Bradley Smith is eighth. Lorenzo leads and wants to get away from everyone else, going onto the back straight. How will Yamaha's seamless gearbox perform? Rossi is catching the factory Honda's as Andrea Ianonne also passes both factory Ducati's of Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso. Espargaro has jumped the start and will get a ride through penalty, after starting sixth.
Stefan Bradl makes a pass. Lorenzo leads with Dani Pedrosa in second. Is Marquez concerned because of those crashes? Maybe. Lorenzo laps the track at 1:34.1. Lorenzo brings the lap time down to 1:34 flat. What can Dani Pedrosa do? Cal Crutchlow, Stefan Bradl, and Alvaro Bautista battle as Andrea Ianonne has crashed. Aleix Espargaro has to pit for his penalty. He hasn't seen the board yet. Pedrosa has not had luck with the rear tire today. Espargaro is frustrated. His team is trying to calm him down so he doesn't make a mistake.
Wow. This battle is getting heavy. Rossi passes for third spot while Marquez and Pedrosa scrap with each other. Jorge Lorenzo still has the lead here at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Nicky Hayden is eighth. Colin Edwards is 12th and is top CRT rider. Rossi runs 1:34.447 and Marc Marquez is still running quicker. Lorenzo is whistling off into the distance. Karel Abraham is out of this race. He's also going to miss the rest of the season after his operation. He's not feeling 100$ at all. Nicky Hayden, Andrea Dovizioso, and Michele Pirro, battle on all three Ducati's. Watch out, boys. Don't crash.
Hey Andrea, don't let the test rider, beat you. Lorenzo has 2.7 seconds in hand over Pedrosa right now. Lorenzo runs 1:34.3 and then 1:34.1. Bradl has one podium this year, (second place at Laguna Seca). Aleix Espargaro is 17th after his penalty, having passed Danilo Petrucci. Pedrosa has changed the fuel mapping on his motorcycle's engine. They are tight on fuel as it is and cold be even tighter next year, with requirements for a 20 liter fuel tank. No pit stops in MotoGP or most motorcycle racing, unless it's the endurance bikes.
Marquez may or may not finish on the podium here. Marquez dives to the inside of Valentino Rossi! Wow! Marquez sets fast lap and wants by Dani Pedrosa. Rossi has a new helmet design. It's Pink Floyd and their 1975 record Wish You Were Here. Fourteen laps complete. Fourteen remain. It's halfway through the race now. Lorenzo knows how to ride his race at the front. If he knows Pedrosa is closing, he'll push just that little bit harder. Giacomo Agostini is here this weekend. He brought Yamaha a championship when he left MV Agusta and came to ride for them in the glory days of the 500cc two stroke era.
Cal Crutchlow and Stefan Bradl continue to battle in this race. Marquez continues to close on Dani Pedrosa. Rossi is 2.5 seconds behind Marquez now. Marquez closes on Pedrosa. He fires it through turn two, passing Pedrosa. If Pedrosa can't respond, it won't work for the championship either. Now, can Marquez reel in Jorge Lorenzo? Pedrosa is not letting Marquez get away. Pedrosa threatens into turn one. Cal Crutchlow and Stefan Bradl battle. Andrea Dovizioso, Nicky Hayden, and Michele Pirro are eight through tenth.
Aleix Espargaro passes Danilo Petrucci and wants to catch Colin Edwards to be the top CRT bike. But, once again, it's this battle btween the two Repsol Honda's that will be the biggest deal in this race. Into the Rio corner, (turn four), the battle rages, and into Quercia. Marquez runs the wider line. Wow. Pedrosa gets by Marquez! It's the same thing Marquez has done to Valentino Rossi. Now, it looks like Marquez gets the best of Pedrosa. This battle isn't over at all with six laps left.
Lorenzo has a four second lead. He's going to win. There's no catching him. Who will finish second? Cal Crutchlow and Stefan Bradl still battle for fifth spot. Lorenzo's lead is still four seconds and Valentino Rossi falls behind in fourth. But, the order in and of itself has not altered much. Crutchlow and Bradl battle on their satellite bikes. Crutchlow on the satellite Yamaha and Bradl, on the satellite LCR Honda. Crutchlow will be a Ducati rider next year.
Lorenzo is looking for his sixth consecutive win in Italy between Misano and Mugello. Bradl has to get by Crutchlow for fifth. But, will he? After this race, just five races remain in the season. Final lap. Can Bradl run down Cal Crutchlow? It's hard to tell. On the run to Quercia or Carro, will be the opportrunities. Bradl tries to pass into Quercia and he does it. Bradl has the drive into Curvone. Lorenzo will win in Italy! He wins his third consecutive San Marino Grand Prix!
Stefan Bradl beats Cal Crutchlow to the line.
#99 Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha
Five races left in MotoGP for 2013. The next one will be at MotorLand Aragon in Aragon, Spain, coming up in two weeks.
This is Valentino Rossi's home track. Just six races are left on the schedule for 2013. Every win by any of the top riders, will be for the championship chase. Ten minutes from now, the race will start. Now, Marc Marquez fell in the warmup, and fortunately, did not get hurt. Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez have both fallen in the past. Some of the crashes have been brutal. But, their suits aree fully kangaroo or cow leather. They have plastic protectors on the elbows and knees. They also have an airbag system in the shoulders and back, that is computerized. The airbags are contained in the suit, to protect the rider, because the g forces are so high during the crashes.
In the helmets, there isn't much special except for the rearoffs. They are made from fiberglass and one of the big helmet makers is called Shoei. So, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo, have all been hurt at times this season. In qualifying, Marquez took his sixth pole of the season with a 1:32.915 after crashing in practice. Jorge Lorenzo takes second spot. Valentino Rossi is third. Dani Pedrosa is third, alongside Cal Crutchlow and Aleix Espargaro.
Michele Pirro is again subbing for Ben Spies, riding bike #51. Karel Abraham might have shoulder surgery this coming week after this race. We are three minutes away from a start of this race. The bikes are on their warmup lap on the Adriatic coast. Marquez shatters Casey Stoner's lap record. Yamaha has a new seamless transmission for their bikes. This track is 2.6 miles. It will run for 28 laps. The track was built in 1969 and modified five years ago in 2008.
We're ready! At the start, Aleix Espargaro has jumped the start. Espargaro passess Valentino Rossi. Cal Crutchlow and Valentino Rossi try their best. Rossi gets swamped. Bradley Smith is eighth. Lorenzo leads and wants to get away from everyone else, going onto the back straight. How will Yamaha's seamless gearbox perform? Rossi is catching the factory Honda's as Andrea Ianonne also passes both factory Ducati's of Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso. Espargaro has jumped the start and will get a ride through penalty, after starting sixth.
Stefan Bradl makes a pass. Lorenzo leads with Dani Pedrosa in second. Is Marquez concerned because of those crashes? Maybe. Lorenzo laps the track at 1:34.1. Lorenzo brings the lap time down to 1:34 flat. What can Dani Pedrosa do? Cal Crutchlow, Stefan Bradl, and Alvaro Bautista battle as Andrea Ianonne has crashed. Aleix Espargaro has to pit for his penalty. He hasn't seen the board yet. Pedrosa has not had luck with the rear tire today. Espargaro is frustrated. His team is trying to calm him down so he doesn't make a mistake.
Wow. This battle is getting heavy. Rossi passes for third spot while Marquez and Pedrosa scrap with each other. Jorge Lorenzo still has the lead here at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Nicky Hayden is eighth. Colin Edwards is 12th and is top CRT rider. Rossi runs 1:34.447 and Marc Marquez is still running quicker. Lorenzo is whistling off into the distance. Karel Abraham is out of this race. He's also going to miss the rest of the season after his operation. He's not feeling 100$ at all. Nicky Hayden, Andrea Dovizioso, and Michele Pirro, battle on all three Ducati's. Watch out, boys. Don't crash.
Hey Andrea, don't let the test rider, beat you. Lorenzo has 2.7 seconds in hand over Pedrosa right now. Lorenzo runs 1:34.3 and then 1:34.1. Bradl has one podium this year, (second place at Laguna Seca). Aleix Espargaro is 17th after his penalty, having passed Danilo Petrucci. Pedrosa has changed the fuel mapping on his motorcycle's engine. They are tight on fuel as it is and cold be even tighter next year, with requirements for a 20 liter fuel tank. No pit stops in MotoGP or most motorcycle racing, unless it's the endurance bikes.
Marquez may or may not finish on the podium here. Marquez dives to the inside of Valentino Rossi! Wow! Marquez sets fast lap and wants by Dani Pedrosa. Rossi has a new helmet design. It's Pink Floyd and their 1975 record Wish You Were Here. Fourteen laps complete. Fourteen remain. It's halfway through the race now. Lorenzo knows how to ride his race at the front. If he knows Pedrosa is closing, he'll push just that little bit harder. Giacomo Agostini is here this weekend. He brought Yamaha a championship when he left MV Agusta and came to ride for them in the glory days of the 500cc two stroke era.
Cal Crutchlow and Stefan Bradl continue to battle in this race. Marquez continues to close on Dani Pedrosa. Rossi is 2.5 seconds behind Marquez now. Marquez closes on Pedrosa. He fires it through turn two, passing Pedrosa. If Pedrosa can't respond, it won't work for the championship either. Now, can Marquez reel in Jorge Lorenzo? Pedrosa is not letting Marquez get away. Pedrosa threatens into turn one. Cal Crutchlow and Stefan Bradl battle. Andrea Dovizioso, Nicky Hayden, and Michele Pirro are eight through tenth.
Aleix Espargaro passes Danilo Petrucci and wants to catch Colin Edwards to be the top CRT bike. But, once again, it's this battle btween the two Repsol Honda's that will be the biggest deal in this race. Into the Rio corner, (turn four), the battle rages, and into Quercia. Marquez runs the wider line. Wow. Pedrosa gets by Marquez! It's the same thing Marquez has done to Valentino Rossi. Now, it looks like Marquez gets the best of Pedrosa. This battle isn't over at all with six laps left.
Lorenzo has a four second lead. He's going to win. There's no catching him. Who will finish second? Cal Crutchlow and Stefan Bradl still battle for fifth spot. Lorenzo's lead is still four seconds and Valentino Rossi falls behind in fourth. But, the order in and of itself has not altered much. Crutchlow and Bradl battle on their satellite bikes. Crutchlow on the satellite Yamaha and Bradl, on the satellite LCR Honda. Crutchlow will be a Ducati rider next year.
Lorenzo is looking for his sixth consecutive win in Italy between Misano and Mugello. Bradl has to get by Crutchlow for fifth. But, will he? After this race, just five races remain in the season. Final lap. Can Bradl run down Cal Crutchlow? It's hard to tell. On the run to Quercia or Carro, will be the opportrunities. Bradl tries to pass into Quercia and he does it. Bradl has the drive into Curvone. Lorenzo will win in Italy! He wins his third consecutive San Marino Grand Prix!
Stefan Bradl beats Cal Crutchlow to the line.
#99 Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha
Five races left in MotoGP for 2013. The next one will be at MotorLand Aragon in Aragon, Spain, coming up in two weeks.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Rossi ahead of Lorenzo with new gearbox
Valentino Rossi is slightly ahead of his Yamaha team mate Jorge Lorenzo at San Marino in practice, with a new gearbox. Sunday is race day, and we'll see what happens.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Rossi+ahead+of+Lorenzo+with+new+gearbox
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Rossi+ahead+of+Lorenzo+with+new+gearbox
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Agostini: The first Italian motorcycling legend
A great article from the MotoGP website about Giacomo Agostini, who is a legend of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. He will be present for this weekend's MotoGP race at Misano in Italy, and will present a book about his life and racing career, which ended with his retirement from racing, 36 years ago, back in
1977.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Agostini+The+first+Italian+motorcycling+legend
1977.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Agostini+The+first+Italian+motorcycling+legend
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Bike Road Racing Series: North West 200
The Bike Road Racing Series comes to Portrush, Northern Ireland, for the second round of the 2013 season. It's the Vauxhall International North West 200, taking place on streets that run through three towns. Portrush, Portstewart, and Coleraine on Northern Ireland's north coast. It's a great place for a vacation, except for this week, when the motorcycles invade the territory for their big race. Here are the highlights.
There are teams and riders that represent more than fifteen different countries. Some of the best riders in the world compete in this race. We are ready for the first race of the day. Look for these riders to show their stuff. Listed will be their name, their nationality, and the number of wins they've scored in this great race.
Bruce Anstey New Zealand 9 wins
Alastair Seeley Northern Ireland 8 wins
John McGuinness England 6 wins
William Dunlop Northern Ireland 3 wins
Michael Dunlop Northern Ireland 1 win
Guy Martin England 0 wins*
Cameron Donald Australia 0 wins*
*Guy Martin and Cameron Donald, both want their first tastes of success at this race. Will they be triumphant? We'll find out. Between the top five on the win list, there are 27 race wins. The first race of the day is for Supersport bikes. Five years ago, in 2008, Michael Dunlop scored his one win at the North West. He won the race after his dad Robert was killed in a practice crash. It was a popular victory. Robert Dunlop holds the record for wins in this race.
We have a damp track for this Ballymoney Council Super Sport event, with the Honda of John McGuinness on pole. Twelve bikes will start this race. At the start, it's John McGuinness getting the jump. Bruce Anstey is second with Guy Martin in third spot. McGuinness goes around Anstey and it's really damp on track right now. These guys will have to really watch where they're going with the tires at the very least. Stewart Easton on bike #5 is coming through this pack. Cameron Donald is also back there.
Now, the second wave of bikes is going to start. So, there are more than twelve in this race. There's got to be at least 30-40 bikes out there. Alastair Seeley is starting in this second pack, and he has to work his way around slower riders, which is sure to be a challenge. This is an unbelievable slide that Bruce Anstey goes through, while still staying on his bike! It's a third gear corner on the road. McGuinness and Anstey are riding similar bikes. They are both Padgett's prepared Honda's.
The crown of the road is just starting to dry. That's the center, where the dotted lines are. Alastair Seeley is trying to clear through the second wave and get open road to race on. These are tricky conditions as we watch the #6 RC Express Yamaha of Dean Harrison. This race has been shortened. One lap has been subtracted. So, it will be five laps instead of six. The race was shortened because of time constraints. Alastair Seeley on the #34 Gearlink Kawasaki is moving up, catching the first wave.
Michael Dunlop is slipstreaming two bikes down the straight! Wow. Talk about a head of steam! He squeezes Guy Martin onto the wet section of track, on the outside line. Into the Matthew's Cross chicane, and then, back onto the road. The bikes go into the Metropol corner, which is at a junction. Seeley is still behind as the riders run along the coast road. Michael Dunlop slides the front wheel, and still hangs on to the lead. Dunlop slides the bike as he works the gearshift with his foot, and uses his right hand for the clutch on the motorcycle.
Lee Johnston passes John McGuinness. Alastair Seeley goes over the top of Black Hill. His, and other rider's heartbeats are way up. This is adrenaline pumping, and also hard work for the riders to keep their machines on the road. Alastair Seeley has passed Jamie Hamilton. Two bikes pass into University corner where there are definitely puddles. It's still raining. Michael Dunlop still has the lead, but he twitches the bike and fortunately, stays on! Whoa! That's a first gear corner. But, Dunlop mashed the throttle just a hair too quickly and could have ditched the bike!
Alastair Seeley is closing on Michael Dunlop. Will he have enough time? Will Dunlop have a big enough cushion? Dunlop wins this race. But, he has to wait for Seeley to cross the line to find the gap. Seeley has traffic ahead. Oh! Seeley is the winner. Dunlop doesn't get it, because of the timing difference! Whoa! It pays to wait, folks. In this kind of racing, you never know who is going to win.
#34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
The top five is:
1. #34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
2. #6 Michael Dunlop Honda
3. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
4. #2 Bruce Anstey Honda
5. #5 Stuart Easton Yamaha
The next race is for the Super Twins. Kawasaki dominates this class. But, the big deal with this race, will be tires. Jeremy McWilliams is going to start on pole. Another 12 bike field. Most of the riders in the Super Twin race have elected to start on full wet tires. This should be a sizzler. Michael Dunlop is the only rider in the field who has gone ahead with the dry weather tire, or perhaps, an intermediate compound where it's essentially a slick tire, with slight grooves cut into it with a hot iron.
The Vauxhall Supertwin race is set to get underway. Four laps scheduled. Go! Jeremy McWilliams gets passed on the start by James Hillier. But, Hillier has issues with his bike right from the get go. Jamie Hamilton is moving up on the #44 KMR Kawasaki. Likewise, Lee Johnston moves through the field. The bikes are coming to the Mill Road roundabout, as the second wave takes off from the starting grid.
Hamilton drafts past Lee Johnston. Jeremy McWilliams is pushig. His heart rate is slightly above the speed of the bike, numerically. Three wide, and Hillier is the meat in the sandwich. But, that hot dog just got eaten up by the two riders to either side of him. Jeremy McWilliams brakes late into the corner, and he knows what to do, running on the Bridgestone wet tires. Michael Rutter is also running consistently so far. Rutter is having to work his way through this field.
Jeremy McWilliams is a local rider and he's battling with another, who just barely got onto the grid for this race. His name wasn't even on the official lineup at first. That's William Davidson, on bike #50. Not very much information about the riders in this championship like there is for MotoGP, World Superbike, AMA, or the Endurance World Championship. The rules this year stipulate a bike has to run a taillight if it rains.
It's raining now. So, taillight on. The crowd is going berserk, watching their favorite riders, cheering them on. All these bikes are 650cc machines putting out 100 horsepower. Ivan Lintin is another rider to keep an eye on in this one. Spare a thought for Lee Johnston. He's riding with an injured leg, that was broken three weeks before this race took place back in June. Yikes! He seems to be hanging right in there. All these riders are getting brave going around the Metropol. The bikes are flat out through Station corner, only lifting a tiny bit.
Uh oh. Either McWilliams or William Davidson is off the road now. He had to stop the bike and turn it to avoid sliding down the escape road. McWilliams could gather up a lead towards the end of this one. He's got rain, and flies on the visor. Just what any motorcycle racer needs, right? James Hillier goes past Jamie Hamilton. Hamilton passes Hillier on the inside, on the coast road. Lee Johnston has more trouble, overcooking a corner, and going straight on.
He's come out of the no man's land past the chicane and will let the leaders go by. William Davidson seems to be right on top of Jeremy McWilliams now. McWilliams looks over his shoulder, trying to see where he is. Racing bikes do not have mirrors of course. Wow! Davidson goes by McWilliams on the damp line into the Metropol! Davidson is now swamped by other riders as the checkered flag awaits. These two are neck and neck. McWilliams carries the back wheel of the bike and Davidson tries to go inside. But, no! McWilliams keeps the lead.
Davidson's luck runs out with a big crash! He low sides the bike, right in front of Jeremy McWilliams! That could have been really ugly. Fortunately, he slides onto grass to cushion the fall. He was pushing too hard and the front end washed out going into Black Hill. It's the last lap of the Super Twin race. Jeremy McWilliams looks to be on his way to a win here. But, don't speak too soon. James Hillier and Jamie Hamilton are coming, fast. They want a piece of this. They want to challenge McWilliams for the win.
No challenge though, as McWilliams wins!
1. #99 Jeremy McWilliams Kawasaki
2. #4 James Hillier Suzuki
3. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
4. #15 Ivan Lintin Kawasaki
5. #5 Lee Johnston Kawasaki
The Super Twin race is done and dusted. Race three on the schedule will be the Super Stock division. These are the 600cc bikes. This is the biggest field of any race today. Australian Josh Brookes makes his debut at the North West 200, and he's currently competing in the British Superbike Championship. This is a big field. 56 bikes will start in four waves of 14 bikes. This race will be six laps. It's the Livewire AV Superstock race.
At the start, John McGuinness rockets away from pole as there's argy bargy in the middle of the pack. Bruce Anstey gets bumped. He's looking for the dry pavement on the track right now. McGuinness tries making a move. These guys are on cold tires. Gary Johnson makes a bold pass on Alastair Seeley. William Dunlop gets passed as everyone struggles to warm up their tires. The second wave takes off with Josh Brookes leading on bike #2. Gary Johnson takes the race lead. These 600cc bikes might not reach top speed of 200 miles an hour. But, they'll be close, running 190 miles an hour down the long roads.
Some riders touched 199 miles per hour in practice. If that isn't booking it on a motorcycle, I don't know what is. Into the Valley Sally roundabout, it's still quite wet. Be careful around this one, lads. Bruce Anstey makes a mega move around Guy Martin in the roundabout! OK. No backing down for these guys today. Guy Martin drafts by his closest competitors and gets an advantage into the corner. Michael Dunlop also passes. We are looking for the lead battle at the moment. Fly past the church and under the railway bridge. Right now, it's Gary Johnson and Bruce Anstey running 1-2.
Most of these bikes are running intermediate tires. Anstey passes Johnson for the lead. Anstey gets the run on Johnson down Millbank Avenue and makes it stick. This is a horsepower war, and so far, Kawasaki has more grunt than Honda. Where Anstey makes up time is in the braking zones. No change into University corner. Josh Brookes has now cracked the top 15. The rain has stopped. But the roads need to dry out. Could Alastair Seeley win two races in the same day? Good question.
Seeley is running on the Nick Morgan prepared MSS Kawasaki. Seeley is trying to pass in the chicane! Seeley streaks by Anstey. Not even sure if Anstey knew he was there! Talk about going for it! Could Johnson be having problems with his motorcycle? Did he miss a gear in the shift pattern? Johnson is losing ground. It's the last lap of this contest. Who will win? It's Seeley vs. Anstey for the win. Lapped traffic in the way. Two wins in one day for Alastair Seeley!
#34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
Here's the top five
1. #34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
2. #5 Bruce Anstey Honda
3. #7 Gary Johnson Kawasaki
4. #1 Guy Martin Suzuki
5. #60 Derek Sheils Kawasaki
Alastair Seeley now has ten wins at the North West 200. Day two action is coming up. But, the weather doesn't look promising.
It's Saturday at the North West 200, and bang, just as the forecasts predicted, it's raining. Fans have their umbrellas at the ready, and undoubtedly, track conditions are going to be slick! We are ready for the second Super Sport race of the weekend. The McKendry Fabrications Supersport race. John McGuinness is on pole for this five lap shootout. The distance has been reduced by one lap. Everybody will run full wet tires in this contest.
We're ready for a start. At the start, it's John McGuiness getting the jump on the field. Cameron Donald is part of the second wave. Bruce Anstey wants to sweep past John McGuinness. Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop are in a battle of their own. Cameron Donald scraps with Guy Martin as Anstey passes for the lead into the Mill Road roundabout. The second wave takes off. Alastair Seeley is in the pack. He's the one to keep an eye on. Seeley has passed half a dozen riders in his group already, and will catch the first wave, soon.
Anstey, McGuinness and Dunlop are the top three. Guy Martin and Lee Johnston are also in the running. The rain is pouring and this makes visibility really tough for the riders as they fly on these country roads. Into University, it's difficult to see the bikes. Bruce Anstey still holds down P1. Over the Links Road and into the Balley Sally roundabout, Michael Dunlop is charging on bike #6. Seeley is flying, clear of the pack. In a straight line, he's running 174 miles an hour! Dunlop is about eat up John McGuinness.
Dunlop advances to second spot. This is on corrected time. But, Michael Dunlop will be absolutely sure to not let Alastair Seeley get anywhere near him. He'll be riding out of his skin to keep the race lead. Into Mather's Cross, the road will be slipperier than anyplace on this track. Seeley is pushing Dunlop. But there are backmarkers to deal with as usual. Lee Johnston is still hanging tough even with a broken leg. They're on the run down to Metropol.
The dark clouds are thickening above the road. Anstey leads Dunlop, and McGuinness is fading slightly. Dunlop gaisn on Anstey through Metropol. Through Church, it's McGuinness vs. Johnston. McGuinness is the rabbit, while Johnston, is the hound. Johnston gets by McGuinness. Seeley goes through Church and onto the coast road. Up Black Hill, there's little space between Seeley and his rivals now. Dean Harrison runs well in this race and has been solid throughout the whole week of action here in Northern Ireland. Dunlop is all over Anstey like a rash.
Dunlop tries to pass through Primrose and York corners. But, he can't get by. Seeley is third, two and a half seconds adrift of the race lead. The leaders come through the Mill Road roundabout. Meanwhile, Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey battle into University. Anstey won't give up without a fight. Dunlop finally passes Anstey as the rain continues to pour. Seeley still flies at 176 miles an hour on a 600cc bike! Unreal! The chicanes make things safer, but they also complicate things, bringing the bike to first gear and almost a dead stop.
Guy Martin makes a pass on John McGuinness. Anstey might be losing the tow from Dunlop. Seeley runs into Macravoy corner. He has to get by slower riders from the first wave who are laps down. Seeley makes quick work of Scott Campbell. Coming to complete lap two, Dunlop still leads Anstey. Through Juniper corner, this fight to the finish will continue. But, problems on track. Someone has taken a big spill. That's Scott Campbell.
He should be OK. But on the fall, Campbell slid one way and the bike slid the other. That downed motorcycle can't stay in that area without a yellow flag intervention. Will there be a red flag? Cameron Donald pulls off the road. He either has a problem with the bike, or is wary of continuing in these conditions. Dunlop twitches his bike! Yikes! He still wants by Seeley and carries the front wheel through York. Has Seeley made up enough time? Three laps to go. But, Seeley has lost time. For Cameron Donald, it's game over. He's out.
There's a lot of standing water. Seeley struggles for traction. Conor Cummins is out of the race, too. Red flag is out. This race is done and dusted. Is it for the conditions? Or, did someone crash? Michael Dunlop wins the North West 200.
#6 Michael Dunlop Honda
1. #6 Michael Dunlop Honda
2. #2 Bruce Anstey Honda
3. #5 Lee Johnston Honda
4. #34 Alistair Seeley Kawasaki
5. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
The conditions are bad. Rain continues to fall. So much so that race director Mervyn Whyte, (along with riders Michael Rutter, John McGuinness, and Stewart Easton), they are surveying the track. It's in the hands of Mervyn Whyte, the chief steward. Whyte says that despite having street sweepers out, there's so much standing water that the racing for today, is over. Four races did get run today. Maybe next year, it will be sunny.
The next bike road race is at the Billown circuit in Castletown on the Isle of Man. Highlights of that race, will come soon. Stay tuned.
There are teams and riders that represent more than fifteen different countries. Some of the best riders in the world compete in this race. We are ready for the first race of the day. Look for these riders to show their stuff. Listed will be their name, their nationality, and the number of wins they've scored in this great race.
Bruce Anstey New Zealand 9 wins
Alastair Seeley Northern Ireland 8 wins
John McGuinness England 6 wins
William Dunlop Northern Ireland 3 wins
Michael Dunlop Northern Ireland 1 win
Guy Martin England 0 wins*
Cameron Donald Australia 0 wins*
*Guy Martin and Cameron Donald, both want their first tastes of success at this race. Will they be triumphant? We'll find out. Between the top five on the win list, there are 27 race wins. The first race of the day is for Supersport bikes. Five years ago, in 2008, Michael Dunlop scored his one win at the North West. He won the race after his dad Robert was killed in a practice crash. It was a popular victory. Robert Dunlop holds the record for wins in this race.
We have a damp track for this Ballymoney Council Super Sport event, with the Honda of John McGuinness on pole. Twelve bikes will start this race. At the start, it's John McGuinness getting the jump. Bruce Anstey is second with Guy Martin in third spot. McGuinness goes around Anstey and it's really damp on track right now. These guys will have to really watch where they're going with the tires at the very least. Stewart Easton on bike #5 is coming through this pack. Cameron Donald is also back there.
Now, the second wave of bikes is going to start. So, there are more than twelve in this race. There's got to be at least 30-40 bikes out there. Alastair Seeley is starting in this second pack, and he has to work his way around slower riders, which is sure to be a challenge. This is an unbelievable slide that Bruce Anstey goes through, while still staying on his bike! It's a third gear corner on the road. McGuinness and Anstey are riding similar bikes. They are both Padgett's prepared Honda's.
The crown of the road is just starting to dry. That's the center, where the dotted lines are. Alastair Seeley is trying to clear through the second wave and get open road to race on. These are tricky conditions as we watch the #6 RC Express Yamaha of Dean Harrison. This race has been shortened. One lap has been subtracted. So, it will be five laps instead of six. The race was shortened because of time constraints. Alastair Seeley on the #34 Gearlink Kawasaki is moving up, catching the first wave.
Michael Dunlop is slipstreaming two bikes down the straight! Wow. Talk about a head of steam! He squeezes Guy Martin onto the wet section of track, on the outside line. Into the Matthew's Cross chicane, and then, back onto the road. The bikes go into the Metropol corner, which is at a junction. Seeley is still behind as the riders run along the coast road. Michael Dunlop slides the front wheel, and still hangs on to the lead. Dunlop slides the bike as he works the gearshift with his foot, and uses his right hand for the clutch on the motorcycle.
Lee Johnston passes John McGuinness. Alastair Seeley goes over the top of Black Hill. His, and other rider's heartbeats are way up. This is adrenaline pumping, and also hard work for the riders to keep their machines on the road. Alastair Seeley has passed Jamie Hamilton. Two bikes pass into University corner where there are definitely puddles. It's still raining. Michael Dunlop still has the lead, but he twitches the bike and fortunately, stays on! Whoa! That's a first gear corner. But, Dunlop mashed the throttle just a hair too quickly and could have ditched the bike!
Alastair Seeley is closing on Michael Dunlop. Will he have enough time? Will Dunlop have a big enough cushion? Dunlop wins this race. But, he has to wait for Seeley to cross the line to find the gap. Seeley has traffic ahead. Oh! Seeley is the winner. Dunlop doesn't get it, because of the timing difference! Whoa! It pays to wait, folks. In this kind of racing, you never know who is going to win.
#34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
The top five is:
1. #34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
2. #6 Michael Dunlop Honda
3. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
4. #2 Bruce Anstey Honda
5. #5 Stuart Easton Yamaha
The next race is for the Super Twins. Kawasaki dominates this class. But, the big deal with this race, will be tires. Jeremy McWilliams is going to start on pole. Another 12 bike field. Most of the riders in the Super Twin race have elected to start on full wet tires. This should be a sizzler. Michael Dunlop is the only rider in the field who has gone ahead with the dry weather tire, or perhaps, an intermediate compound where it's essentially a slick tire, with slight grooves cut into it with a hot iron.
The Vauxhall Supertwin race is set to get underway. Four laps scheduled. Go! Jeremy McWilliams gets passed on the start by James Hillier. But, Hillier has issues with his bike right from the get go. Jamie Hamilton is moving up on the #44 KMR Kawasaki. Likewise, Lee Johnston moves through the field. The bikes are coming to the Mill Road roundabout, as the second wave takes off from the starting grid.
Hamilton drafts past Lee Johnston. Jeremy McWilliams is pushig. His heart rate is slightly above the speed of the bike, numerically. Three wide, and Hillier is the meat in the sandwich. But, that hot dog just got eaten up by the two riders to either side of him. Jeremy McWilliams brakes late into the corner, and he knows what to do, running on the Bridgestone wet tires. Michael Rutter is also running consistently so far. Rutter is having to work his way through this field.
Jeremy McWilliams is a local rider and he's battling with another, who just barely got onto the grid for this race. His name wasn't even on the official lineup at first. That's William Davidson, on bike #50. Not very much information about the riders in this championship like there is for MotoGP, World Superbike, AMA, or the Endurance World Championship. The rules this year stipulate a bike has to run a taillight if it rains.
It's raining now. So, taillight on. The crowd is going berserk, watching their favorite riders, cheering them on. All these bikes are 650cc machines putting out 100 horsepower. Ivan Lintin is another rider to keep an eye on in this one. Spare a thought for Lee Johnston. He's riding with an injured leg, that was broken three weeks before this race took place back in June. Yikes! He seems to be hanging right in there. All these riders are getting brave going around the Metropol. The bikes are flat out through Station corner, only lifting a tiny bit.
Uh oh. Either McWilliams or William Davidson is off the road now. He had to stop the bike and turn it to avoid sliding down the escape road. McWilliams could gather up a lead towards the end of this one. He's got rain, and flies on the visor. Just what any motorcycle racer needs, right? James Hillier goes past Jamie Hamilton. Hamilton passes Hillier on the inside, on the coast road. Lee Johnston has more trouble, overcooking a corner, and going straight on.
He's come out of the no man's land past the chicane and will let the leaders go by. William Davidson seems to be right on top of Jeremy McWilliams now. McWilliams looks over his shoulder, trying to see where he is. Racing bikes do not have mirrors of course. Wow! Davidson goes by McWilliams on the damp line into the Metropol! Davidson is now swamped by other riders as the checkered flag awaits. These two are neck and neck. McWilliams carries the back wheel of the bike and Davidson tries to go inside. But, no! McWilliams keeps the lead.
Davidson's luck runs out with a big crash! He low sides the bike, right in front of Jeremy McWilliams! That could have been really ugly. Fortunately, he slides onto grass to cushion the fall. He was pushing too hard and the front end washed out going into Black Hill. It's the last lap of the Super Twin race. Jeremy McWilliams looks to be on his way to a win here. But, don't speak too soon. James Hillier and Jamie Hamilton are coming, fast. They want a piece of this. They want to challenge McWilliams for the win.
No challenge though, as McWilliams wins!
1. #99 Jeremy McWilliams Kawasaki
2. #4 James Hillier Suzuki
3. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
4. #15 Ivan Lintin Kawasaki
5. #5 Lee Johnston Kawasaki
The Super Twin race is done and dusted. Race three on the schedule will be the Super Stock division. These are the 600cc bikes. This is the biggest field of any race today. Australian Josh Brookes makes his debut at the North West 200, and he's currently competing in the British Superbike Championship. This is a big field. 56 bikes will start in four waves of 14 bikes. This race will be six laps. It's the Livewire AV Superstock race.
At the start, John McGuinness rockets away from pole as there's argy bargy in the middle of the pack. Bruce Anstey gets bumped. He's looking for the dry pavement on the track right now. McGuinness tries making a move. These guys are on cold tires. Gary Johnson makes a bold pass on Alastair Seeley. William Dunlop gets passed as everyone struggles to warm up their tires. The second wave takes off with Josh Brookes leading on bike #2. Gary Johnson takes the race lead. These 600cc bikes might not reach top speed of 200 miles an hour. But, they'll be close, running 190 miles an hour down the long roads.
Some riders touched 199 miles per hour in practice. If that isn't booking it on a motorcycle, I don't know what is. Into the Valley Sally roundabout, it's still quite wet. Be careful around this one, lads. Bruce Anstey makes a mega move around Guy Martin in the roundabout! OK. No backing down for these guys today. Guy Martin drafts by his closest competitors and gets an advantage into the corner. Michael Dunlop also passes. We are looking for the lead battle at the moment. Fly past the church and under the railway bridge. Right now, it's Gary Johnson and Bruce Anstey running 1-2.
Most of these bikes are running intermediate tires. Anstey passes Johnson for the lead. Anstey gets the run on Johnson down Millbank Avenue and makes it stick. This is a horsepower war, and so far, Kawasaki has more grunt than Honda. Where Anstey makes up time is in the braking zones. No change into University corner. Josh Brookes has now cracked the top 15. The rain has stopped. But the roads need to dry out. Could Alastair Seeley win two races in the same day? Good question.
Seeley is running on the Nick Morgan prepared MSS Kawasaki. Seeley is trying to pass in the chicane! Seeley streaks by Anstey. Not even sure if Anstey knew he was there! Talk about going for it! Could Johnson be having problems with his motorcycle? Did he miss a gear in the shift pattern? Johnson is losing ground. It's the last lap of this contest. Who will win? It's Seeley vs. Anstey for the win. Lapped traffic in the way. Two wins in one day for Alastair Seeley!
#34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
Here's the top five
1. #34 Alastair Seeley Kawasaki
2. #5 Bruce Anstey Honda
3. #7 Gary Johnson Kawasaki
4. #1 Guy Martin Suzuki
5. #60 Derek Sheils Kawasaki
Alastair Seeley now has ten wins at the North West 200. Day two action is coming up. But, the weather doesn't look promising.
It's Saturday at the North West 200, and bang, just as the forecasts predicted, it's raining. Fans have their umbrellas at the ready, and undoubtedly, track conditions are going to be slick! We are ready for the second Super Sport race of the weekend. The McKendry Fabrications Supersport race. John McGuinness is on pole for this five lap shootout. The distance has been reduced by one lap. Everybody will run full wet tires in this contest.
We're ready for a start. At the start, it's John McGuiness getting the jump on the field. Cameron Donald is part of the second wave. Bruce Anstey wants to sweep past John McGuinness. Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop are in a battle of their own. Cameron Donald scraps with Guy Martin as Anstey passes for the lead into the Mill Road roundabout. The second wave takes off. Alastair Seeley is in the pack. He's the one to keep an eye on. Seeley has passed half a dozen riders in his group already, and will catch the first wave, soon.
Anstey, McGuinness and Dunlop are the top three. Guy Martin and Lee Johnston are also in the running. The rain is pouring and this makes visibility really tough for the riders as they fly on these country roads. Into University, it's difficult to see the bikes. Bruce Anstey still holds down P1. Over the Links Road and into the Balley Sally roundabout, Michael Dunlop is charging on bike #6. Seeley is flying, clear of the pack. In a straight line, he's running 174 miles an hour! Dunlop is about eat up John McGuinness.
Dunlop advances to second spot. This is on corrected time. But, Michael Dunlop will be absolutely sure to not let Alastair Seeley get anywhere near him. He'll be riding out of his skin to keep the race lead. Into Mather's Cross, the road will be slipperier than anyplace on this track. Seeley is pushing Dunlop. But there are backmarkers to deal with as usual. Lee Johnston is still hanging tough even with a broken leg. They're on the run down to Metropol.
The dark clouds are thickening above the road. Anstey leads Dunlop, and McGuinness is fading slightly. Dunlop gaisn on Anstey through Metropol. Through Church, it's McGuinness vs. Johnston. McGuinness is the rabbit, while Johnston, is the hound. Johnston gets by McGuinness. Seeley goes through Church and onto the coast road. Up Black Hill, there's little space between Seeley and his rivals now. Dean Harrison runs well in this race and has been solid throughout the whole week of action here in Northern Ireland. Dunlop is all over Anstey like a rash.
Dunlop tries to pass through Primrose and York corners. But, he can't get by. Seeley is third, two and a half seconds adrift of the race lead. The leaders come through the Mill Road roundabout. Meanwhile, Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey battle into University. Anstey won't give up without a fight. Dunlop finally passes Anstey as the rain continues to pour. Seeley still flies at 176 miles an hour on a 600cc bike! Unreal! The chicanes make things safer, but they also complicate things, bringing the bike to first gear and almost a dead stop.
Guy Martin makes a pass on John McGuinness. Anstey might be losing the tow from Dunlop. Seeley runs into Macravoy corner. He has to get by slower riders from the first wave who are laps down. Seeley makes quick work of Scott Campbell. Coming to complete lap two, Dunlop still leads Anstey. Through Juniper corner, this fight to the finish will continue. But, problems on track. Someone has taken a big spill. That's Scott Campbell.
He should be OK. But on the fall, Campbell slid one way and the bike slid the other. That downed motorcycle can't stay in that area without a yellow flag intervention. Will there be a red flag? Cameron Donald pulls off the road. He either has a problem with the bike, or is wary of continuing in these conditions. Dunlop twitches his bike! Yikes! He still wants by Seeley and carries the front wheel through York. Has Seeley made up enough time? Three laps to go. But, Seeley has lost time. For Cameron Donald, it's game over. He's out.
There's a lot of standing water. Seeley struggles for traction. Conor Cummins is out of the race, too. Red flag is out. This race is done and dusted. Is it for the conditions? Or, did someone crash? Michael Dunlop wins the North West 200.
#6 Michael Dunlop Honda
1. #6 Michael Dunlop Honda
2. #2 Bruce Anstey Honda
3. #5 Lee Johnston Honda
4. #34 Alistair Seeley Kawasaki
5. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
The conditions are bad. Rain continues to fall. So much so that race director Mervyn Whyte, (along with riders Michael Rutter, John McGuinness, and Stewart Easton), they are surveying the track. It's in the hands of Mervyn Whyte, the chief steward. Whyte says that despite having street sweepers out, there's so much standing water that the racing for today, is over. Four races did get run today. Maybe next year, it will be sunny.
The next bike road race is at the Billown circuit in Castletown on the Isle of Man. Highlights of that race, will come soon. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Anticipation builds as battle continues at Misano
Preview of this weekend's MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano Adriatico circuit in Misano, Italy.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Misano+preview+MotoGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/Misano+preview+MotoGP
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