Skerries 100 Road Races Practice

Normally for the Skerries 100 road races in north county Dublin,sweltering heat greets the riders, but not so far for this years meeting as wet , damp and at times cool weather arrived for the early part of practice. It also marked the first anniversary of the tragic accident of William Dunlop who sadly lost his life in an accident here twelve months ago.

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A General view of a floral tribute to William Dunlop. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As the day went on the grey clouds lifted and temperatures rose to allow practice sessions to run without being in controlled conditions. Sadly with the mist continuing to linger each class were not under the usual timed sessions. This didn't stop the riders from trying to get a good lap under their belts all the same but did ease the burden of having to string a series of hot laps together to win pole position. With the grids being formed from current championship positions they could use the time to get a setup for tomorrows races if conditions turn out to be the same. 

Flag Marshal Harry Havelin mans his post during the opening practice session. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The first session to get proceedings underway was the Supertwins with local man Andy Farrell top the times on his Kawasaki ER6 from another local man Michael Sweeney. Wet or not Andy was not afraid to get his bike on to the back wheel over Gillies Leap.

Andy Farrell, Kawasaki ER6, in action over Gillie's Leap during the Supertwin practice session. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The 125/ Moto 3 class were out next with a small grid but still plenty to entertain. Kevin Fitzpatrick topped the 125 class with Sam Grief heading the Moto 3 riders times. Up next was the ever popular Supersport class where it was Kevin Fitzpatrick who topped the times with a 1.47.774 lap ahead of local man Michael Sweeney and fellow Dubliner Derek Sheils. It was like a races as the front three lapped together with nothing between them. Thankfully the sun came out in time for the main class of the programme, the Superbike class. Championship leader Derek Sheils on his Suzuki GSXR 1000R followed Michael Sweeney's BMW S1000RR for the entire session but in doing so put in the fastest lap of 1.36.786. Daryl Tweed on his Honda Fireblade was third fastest. In the 250-350cc Classic class Brian Mateer comfortably topped the time sheets. For the 500-1000cc Classic class Richard Ford set the fastest tim.  So from a wet start to a sunny end which hopefully carries on to tomorrow where the top two local men Sheils and Sweeney I'm sure will battle it out no end to win on home turf. Roads close early at 8am so be sure to set the alarm clocks to get down to what should be a great days racing.

Michael Sweeney, Yamaha R6 leads Derek Sheils, Yamaha R6, over Gillie's Leap during the Supersport practice session. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Derek Sheils, Suzuki GSXR 1000, on his way to setting the fastest time for the Superbike class. Photo Barry Cregg

Michael Sweeney, BMW S1000RR, leads Derek Sheils during practice for the Superbike race. Photo Barry Cregg.

Road racing spectators are a hardy breed as they brave all weathers to watch the action. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Honda 125RS, in action during the 125cc class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Sam Grief, Honda 125RS, in action during the Moto 3 class. Photo: Barry Cregg.