MCE UGP Race day Irish preview

The entry list reads like a role of honour it has to be said with all the top names from the all around the world, not just the UK’s finest but, that doesn’t mean we mightn’t see an Irish winner.

On form you’d be in leave of your senses to back against Peter Hickman in the Superbike and Superstock races although we’ve seen surprises this season in the Irish roads results with up and coming talent bursting through the fields. All going well Derek Sheils and Derek McGee won’t be far adrift of the pack and you can be sure  Micko Sweeney’s consistency will continue to bring him up the leader board. Brian McCormack is back on the grid on a ZX10r and although the bike is only with him a few days, ‘Big Mac’ was still well able to put it in the top 20. Alan Connor from Duleek has ran well this week and should be placed well, as will James Kelly on the brand new GSXR1000.

Derek McGee has pace in the Supersport class and will not be far from the top of the pack. Having won an Ulster in 2015, he’ll be hungry for more silverware to bring home. Again Micko Sweeney has a quality 600 in his armory qualifying 20^th on the grid. 2 places behind him is Brian McCormack on the Shane Wogan prepared R6. Newcomer to the Ulster this year is Ray Casey who has qualified a truly credible 29^th on his stock ZX-6r and the Cork man will be thrilled to race his first UGP from there, just one place behind Dubliner Davey Todd. David Howard completes the Irish entry on the DJL Yamaha R6.

The Supertwins race should be one of the most entertaining races of the day and probably our best chance of grabbing a win with Derek McGee and Derek Sheils masters of this closely tied class. The two Derek’s lap times are right on the money so expect a tight finish after some slipstreaming. Other Irishmen entered in the Twins race are Micko Sweeney, Paul O’Rourke, John Byrne, Mark Shields and Derek Costello, so we should really expect a result in this race.

A lap of honour and thanks to Dr Fred McSorely will take place shortly after the roads close in the morning, so enjoy that lap as he’s followed around by the racers, TM’s and pillion wife!

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jamie Hodson and get well soon those injured during the week. Wishing everyone a successful and safe days racing.