MICHAEL'S RACE BUT DEAN'S RECORD

Michael Dunlop took the winners laurels in the opening event of the 2017 Isle of Man Steam Packet International Southern 100 Road Races, the Corlett's Trophies 1000/600ccRace, but it was Dan Kneen who set a new lap record at 114.185mph on the final lap of the seven lap race.

Michael on the Hawk Racing Suzuki took the lead from the start, only for Manxman Dan Kneen on the BMW to head the field next time round, a lead he held for the next four laps with fractions of a second betweenthe two. Lap six saw the Ballymoney man back in front taking the chequered flag by 0.156 of a second. Dean Harrison was third throughout one second behind. Jamie Coward brought the Radcliffe Racing BMW home in fourth place, followed by Ivan Lintin and Jamie Cowton.


The 600cc class was won by newcomer to the Southern 100, Joe Thompson followed by Brendan Fargher and Darryl Tweed. Best Newcomer was Sam West in 14th on his BMW.

The Corrlett's Trophies 1000/600cc B Race was dominated by the 'lighter' 600cc machines with victory going to Towlaw's Richard Charlton, 5.7 seconds ahead of Cramlington's David McConnachy, with Otley's Gavin Lupton third.

The final race of the evening the Station Garage 125/400/Moto3 Race witnessed the battle of the 2016 125/400 race winners Darryl Tweed and Seamus Elliott, with the honours on the night going to Darryl Tweed on his M&D Kawasaki almost seven seconds ahead of his Ballymoney neighbour and rival on his Yamaha. Dany Sayle was third on his Falcon Racing 250 Honda Moto3 machine. Fourth, fifth and sixth were Alistair Haworth, Paull Gartland and Paul Robinson. Top 125 rider and Best Newcomers was Derek McGee.