MOTORCYCLING: Lowry revels in Sunflower glory
MOIRA'S Ian Lowry has tasted success in the prestigious J.A.S. Finlay Sunflower Trophy race for the very first time.
Much of the focus in the build up to Ireland's premier short circuit showdown at the Co Down venue near Downpatrick had focused on the 23-year-old's Relentless TAS Suzuki team-mates, Alastair Seeley and Michael Laverty, but it was Lowry who stole the limelight with an all-conquering display.
Portadown's Marshall Neill stormed into the lead of the feature event on Wilson Craig's Honda Fireblade, but Lowry soon hit the front and was never seriously troubled throughout the 12 lap thriller.
On a damp but drying circuit, Lowry's biggest rivals faltered, as Carrickfergus challenger Seeley slid out of third place on lap three, while five times winner Michael Laverty never looked like posing a threat as he languished in an increasingly distant fourth position as the race panned out.
At the flag, pole-sitter Lowry had 3.7 seconds to spare over the impressive Neill, with Dubliner Jack Kennedy grabbing the final rostrum place ahead of Laverty.
Speaking immediately after his maiden Sunflower triumph, a delighted Lowry – who had earlier won the opening Irish Superbike race – said: "That feels pretty good. It was a long time coming though, because I've been trying to win it for five years now.
"I've got to dedicate that win to the TAS team because the boys have put together a great package for me today," added Lowry, who pocketed 3,000 for his efforts.
"They've worked so hard all through the BSB season and they've delivered again today."
Runner-up Neill was satisfied with second place after a superb ride on the Craig Honda and congratulated race winner Lowry on a job well done.
"It was one of those things and I'd like to have won, but I'm well pleased. The bike was good enough to win and I'd like to thank Wilson Craig for giving the chance to ride it," Neill said.
"Ian Lowry's been riding the Superbike all year and he deserved to win it, so well done to him."
Irish ace Kennedy was delighted with third place in the tricky conditions.
"I loved every minute of it and it feels great to be on the rostrum," he said.
"I really enjoyed myself and there was a dry line around the damp patches."
Behind Laverty, Irish Superbike regulars Gerard Kinghan and Kirk Jamison completed the top six, with Jamison overhauling Coleraine's Mark Johnston on the final lap of the race.
Last year's runner-up in the Sunflower, John Laverty, was a non-starter yesterday after suffering a suspected fractured collarbone in a practice spill on his Buildbase Kawasaki on Saturday.
Late entry Conor Cummins was a retirement on the Mar-Train Suzuki.
Lowry won the first ISB race from Seeley and Neill, with Kennedy fourth. Seeley's runner-up finish was enough to clinch the Irish Superbike crown and secure the bonus of a trip to Australia to compete in the Kings of Wanneroo race meeting near Perth.
"I didn't set out to win the ISB title this year, but I won every race I entered with the exception of this one and to be an Irish and British champion in the same year has a nice ring to it," said the 30-year-old.
Seeley made amends for his crash in the Sunflower showpiece by taking the honours in the second ISB race from Michael Laverty, Neill and Kennedy.
Neill was the most consistent performer of the day and the 35-year-old deservedly reigned supreme in the first Supersport 600 race, which he won from TAS Suzuki-mounted Lee Johnston and veteran Jeremy McWilliams.
Fermanagh rider Johnston turned the tables on Neill in the second outing, with Jack Kennedy third and Brian McCormack fourth.
Belfast's Mark Lunney claimed a brace in the 250cc class, with Chris McAloran twice finishing as the runner-up.
In the 125cc races, Lunney and Drew Jamison registered a victory apiece, while Mark Johnston wrapped up a Supertwins double.
World champions Ben and Tom Birchall won the first sidecar event, with John Holden and Andrew Winkle successful in the second race.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
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