Cookstown 100: Michael Dunlop obliterates outright lap record to win headline Superbike race in fantastic four-timer at Orritor
Michael Dunlop wrapped up a sizzling Cookstown 100 quadruple in record-breaking style as he won the blue riband Superbike finale and blitzed his own outright lap record around the Orritor course on Saturday.
Riding his MD Racing BMW Superstock machine, the Ballymoney man treated the sun-drenched fans to a powerhouse performance in the 10-lap showdown, shattering his year-old lap record twice in succession to establish a new best for the narrow 2.1-mile course of 92.142mph (1m 22.047s).
The 37-year-old started from pole but it was old sparring partner Michael Sweeney who made a lightning-fast getaway on his MJR BMW to lead into Gortin corner.
However, Dunlop wasted no time in pushing to the front, drafting past Sweeney on the start/finish straight and out-braking the Republic of Ireland rider into Gortin.
He then began to up the ante in the warm evening sunshine and was able to open a slight gap of 0.350s after four laps.
Dunlop first broke the lap record on the sixth lap and fired in another scorcher on lap seven to extend his advantage to 3.1s over Sweeney.
Manx rider Marcus Simpson (Honda), four seconds behind Sweeney, was locked in battle with Ballymoney’s Darryl Tweed (JLR Ability Energy Honda).
Dunlop had broken Sweeney’s resolve after his double record blitz and was able to manage the race from the front.
The 33-time Isle of Man TT winner went on to build a comfortable cushion, sealing his fourth victory of the weekend by 9.6s from Sweeney, with Simpson four seconds back in third.
Tweed got the better of Keyes for fourth by only 0.089s on the dash to the line.
James Chawke (BMW), Neil Kernohan (Kernohan Racing BMW) and Don Gilbert (Parker Car Transport Yamaha) were the top eight.
Dunlop’s four-timer included victory in Friday’s Superbike Invitational race, and wins in the Moto3 and Open Superbike races on Saturday.