Sunday 28 April 2013

Cookstown 100 - Michael and Guy

Everyone couldn't wait to see these two go toe to toe in the Supersport and Superbike races.

The first Open Race went to Michael with Guy 3.9secs  behind and Derek Shiels in third.

Over 8 laps the Supersport the provided everything we all hoped for, Guy taking the lead straight away, a heated battle followed as Pearson, Michael and Shiels slugged it out.
On lap 4 Michael was still 3 secs behind, eventually on the last lap they were inseparable.  Michael showed Guy the front wheel going into the Orritor Crossroads - they touched.  See pic below from @DenTAS3
However Guy took the win by 0.119secs.
The feature race was a repeat of the earlier Open podium.

If the first road race is anything to go by then Michael has certainly set his stall out and his rivals must surely be wondering about his TT potential.

The TAS team looked stressed and hurried while Michael appeared relaxed and comfortable, it's only the first race of the season but the TT is now 4 weeks away - can't wait.

 
TAS ready?
 
 
 
not quite - missing the start of final practice
 
 
"lookin forward to gettin a run out here,  I am"
 


                                          Michael rubbing Guy and TAS up the wrong way!

 
 
 
 
 
 




William at Cookstown

The hype surrounding both Dunlop brothers participation at Cookstown yesterday was enormous.

Everyone tipped William to win the Moto3 (125), 250 and Supersport races, however as is so often with racing  - things don't always work out like that.

He retired from the 125 on the second lap.

William appeared on the grid for the 250 and then pulled off before the start vacating his pole position.  Fortunately for him the race was red flagged on race 2, permitting him to take part in the 3 lap restart, winning from Sam Wilson and Davy Morgan.

The anticipated Supersport race was a huge anticlimax as he didn't start leaving everyone very disappointed.

For me the picture below sums up the day......he wasn't really there.

Fingers crossed everything is going to plan for the TT.

Saturday 27 April 2013

On the Road Again

The bike had it's first outing today with a run to the Cookstown 100, new tyres, grips and a bit of a clean.  Even the sun came out, but it was cold, damn cold.

Friday 26 April 2013

2013 KDM Hire Cookstown 100 - Practice Video Interviews






Manx Radio's Chris Kinley Speaks to riders Michael Dunlop, Derek Sheils and William Dunlop during practice sessions for the 2013 KDM Hire Cookstown 100

Footage by www.racenewsandphotography.com

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Cookstown 100

Road racing starts on Friday with practice followed by a packed schedule of racing on Saturday....

 
In the back garden kids play on the trampoline while over the fence the final corner before the chequered flag.
 
 
 
I will be going up on the bike for the first run out, looking forward to seeing beautiful bikes and some old faces
 

Sunday 21 April 2013

Michael Dunlop at the 2013 Bol d'Or





Posted Image


Michael Dunlop made his TT Legends debut this weekend at the Bol d'Or 24hr race,Magny Cours.  During qualifying he lapped faster than both regular riders Simon Andrews and John McGuinness.

The race started well as they hauled there way from 28th to 4th, when problems started with the cooling system and even after pitstop repairs they were forced to retire.

Next round the Suzuka 8hour on 28/07/13.

Pics purloined from https://twitter.com/HondaTTLegends and Rhencullen at http://pbmagforum.co.uk/

Friday 19 April 2013

JOE

What's with all these Steve McQueen t's and replica sweatdhirts and jackets, why do we not celebrate our local legends?
I have yet to see a Joey Dunlop t-shirt that I would have any desire to wear I thought I would have a go.  A friend photoshopped my drawing and this is the result.
Inspired by the HRC logo to produce the font with a simple 3 on the back...


Sunday 14 April 2013

2nd hand Panigale

Lee Johnston's 1199 following a 3 rider incident at Thruxton today.....

taken from Lee's facebook page.......

Lee has a broken bone in the back of his leg and has gone to hospital as you can see the bike is a bit of a mess..
Source - Ducati UK Racing
 
Photo: Lee has a broken bone in the back of his leg and has gone to hospital as you can see the bike is a bit of a mess..
Source - Ducati UK Racing
 
Wishing Lee a speedy recovery, a crash is bad at any time but it's not long til the NW200 and the TT.
 
Heal fast
 
 

Wednesday 10 April 2013

The best second place he ever had?

Well old Vale came second in last Sunday's epic seasoner opener, back in '06, Estoril also gave him a second.

Both races will be remembered as very significant in his career......

 
 

Friday 5 April 2013

Might we see some of this Sunday night?

 
 
 
........Rossi on pole and everyone happy?
 
Estoril 2006
 




KDX

Motocross was never my thing but I have tried a couple over the years, my lack of talent and my enduro bike's lack of power plus soft suspension meant coming lastish.

Great fun though, I rode Ballykelly, Desertmartin, Tandragee and Seaforde.

Rooster turned this up and I am well chuffed...........

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Morning Light

 
 
 
 
 
 

Mid 90's Glendalough Enduro

My mate recently dug this up, an amusing pic from when we all enduroed together, setting off in the big blue van and not taking things too seriously.

The pink TM on the right will date the scene...

Monday 1 April 2013

Warhol at the Mac

Plenty of free art to enjoy in Belfast at the minute with the Warhol exhibition at themaclive.com


 
 
 
 
plenty to see out and about the city streets as well...