Bettridges of Foxdale Supersport Race Report
The first race to be held in the warm afternoon sunshine was the Bettridges of Foxdale Supersport Race. It was déjà vu as Browne and Dunlop were fastest from the lights. Browne led by 20m as they hustled their bikes through the S bend at Malew church. Rob Hodson, Dom Herbertson, Joe Yeardsley and Michael Sweeney completed the top 6. On lap 2 Browne and Dunlop had a much bigger advantage over the chasing group of 5 that included Michael Sweeney. Yet again, the crowd was treated to close racing throughout the entire field. On lap 3 Dunlop was holding station behind Browne; whilst Hodson had moved into third. Dunlop remained closely behind Browne; holding a tighter line; on laps 4 and 5 and waiting for the moment to pounce. Paul Jordan had moved ahead of Hodson on lap 5 and Michael Sweeney passed Joe Yeardsley. The final lap saw Dunlop mere inches behind Browne as they powered away towards Great Meadow. Browne kept the lead through there and Stadium; then blotted his copybook by losing the front end at the final corner; gifting the win to Dunlop after a super battle. Mike was uninjured in the accident. Paul Jordan took third, Rob Hodson fourth, Michael Sweeney fifth and Joe Yeardsley sixth; just 4.7s covering those five. Best newcomer was Grant Thompson in eleventh; he upped his best lap speed to 103.272mph; very impressive.
Words: Richard Radcliffe
Image: Callum Staley