Wilson Craig Honda rider William Dunlop, produced a string of podium finishes in Saturdays Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod, where the 26 year old Ballymoney man came so close to taking victories in both the Supersport 600 Races.

Riding in changing and difficult conditions, Dunlop produced one of his finest set of results at the Ulster, taking two runner up positions to his younger brother Michael in the Supersport 600 races, and an excellant third place finish in the UGP Supporters Club Superbike race, in which William also set the fastest lap.

William however was forced to retire out of the opening Lisburn City Council Superstock race when his big Wilson Craig Honda devolped brake fad at the end of lap four.

William Dunlop:

"I am very pleased with how things went today, and Wilson is also very pleased. I came so close in both the Supersport races, but little errors on my behalf probably cost me two race wins, but I am glad that a Dunlop got to the top step of the podium in the Supersport races. In the first Supersport 600 Race, I really thought I had the race in the bag as I lead Michael and Bruce Anstey into the Lindsay Hairpin on the final lap, but I just ran out to the edge of the circuit on the exit, and Michael got under me and away. I knew that if I did not get passed him before the Quarries, the race was his, but he held a good line going into the first right hander and there was no way back for me as we got caught up with back markers. I was a little annoyed with myself, but that's racing. In the second Supersport 600 race, it was a great battle between myself, Michael and Cameron Donald with the three of us taking turns at leading. It was great fun, and again I lead the lads into the hairpin on the last lap, but again left to much room which Michael saw and gunned his Yamaha through me for a second time. Those little mistakes cost me the race, but to get two podiums was good.

I really enjoyed the Superbike races, and I am getting more acquired with the Superbike in every race. In the first Superbike race, we had problems selecting the proper tyres, as it was damp in places and other parts bone dry. I managed to get up into fourth on lap four but Gary Johnson got passed me on the last lap and I had to settle for fifth place. It was a different story in the final Superbike Race as I started to get into a good rhythm by the end of lap two. Guy Martin and Keith had made a break on me but I think I was reeling them in over the last two laps, with me setting the fastest lap of the race on lap four. To get a third place behind Guy and Keith in the Superbike race was a real good result in my eyes. I really enjoyed the Ulster this year, and if I can keep improving on the big bike, I don't see why I can't be winning International Superbike races next year."