NW200: Storm Stacey wins headline Superbike race for double after red flag stoppage because of oil spill as Glenn Irwin's reign ended
Red-hot rookie Storm Stacey was crowned the winner of the headline North West 200 Superbike race after a red flag stoppage due to oil contamination.
Newcomer Stacey clinched a double on his first appearance at the north coast showpiece after winning the earlier Superstock race following a battle with Michael Dunlop.
The Superbike result was declared based on positions after three laps, when Stacey was leading Dean Harrison (Honda Racing) and Glenn Irwin (Nitrous Competitions Racing Ducati), whose winning run in the class, stretching back to 2017, was ended.
The organisers intended to restart the race over three laps, but the oil spill on the racing line on the exit of Juniper chicane would not have been cleared in time before roads were due to open by 6:45pm.
Stacey, who was riding the Alpha Racing by GRYD BMW Superstock machine, said: “Glenn done all the talking for me. Whether it was mind games or not, but Glenn said some lovely things about me at the launch event [when he tipped Stacey to be in the podium mix in his first year at the event].
“I didn't know how that was going to play out. I was a little bit gutted when they said it was going to restart, but now they have declared the race.”
In sunny but cold conditions, Irwin led off line before Stacey dived up his inside on brakes into York, pushing the Ulsterman wide.
At Mather’s, Stacey led Harrison and Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda), with Irwin fourth.
Stacey held an advantage of 0.478s over Harrison after the first lap, with Irwin looming in third ahead of Brookes and Hickman.
Irwin passed Harrison for second into University on the second lap, with Stacey still leading on his Superstock machine..
Irwin took the lead for the first time on the run to Magherabuoy chicane, but Stacey was back in front with a stunning move on his inside at Black Hill.
By University, Stacey dropped back to third after being passed by Irwin and Harrison on the long straight towards Coleraine.
However, he overtook both Harrison and Irwin into Mather’s chicane to take up the running once more.
In another change at the front, Harrison was leading in Portrush, but Stacey pushed his nose ahead again, and was ahead at Juniper chicane.
Stacey was leading by 0.6s from Harrison after the third lap, but he was back in third by University behind Harrison and Irwin when the red flag went out.
Michael Dunlop, third in the first Superbike race, retired on his Hawk/MD Racing Honda.
Peter Hickman (Monster BMW Motorrad) finished fourth ahead of Brookes, with Ian Hutchinson in sixth on the Team RST BMW.
John McGuinness (Honda Racing) and Mike Browne (MB Racing/Russell Racing Honda) were the top eight.