Guy Martin will start tomorrow's six-lap Dundrod 150 Superbike race in Northern Ireland from pole position after posting the fastest time during today's qualifying in inclement weather conditions on the famous 7.4-mile Ulster Grand Prix circuit.
The Tyco Suzuki rider also posted a provisional front-row grid position for Saturday's Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Supersport race with third place with further qualifying to take place tomorrow because of lengthy delays. Martin's day was not without drama, 'brushing' the back of a slower rider who was touring on the approach to Deer's Leap, leaving the unsighted Lincolnshire man to test his reflexes and heart rate!
Said Martin: "The team did a great job getting me out on track nice and early and it was steady away boy. We never had to make one change to the Superbike all day from our base-setting and we had no real issues apart from that scare with the touring rider. The GSX-R600 also felt mint and we were top of the qualifying until the final lap. All good so far; we just need conditions to be either wet or dry and not in between so we can get on with it tomorrow."
Team Manager Philip Neill said: "It was a long day but Guy is happy with the bikes and the speed of both GSX-R machines. The team worked well and made solid decisions along with Guy, and it showed in qualifying. Saturday is the big day but to start tomorrow's Dundrod 150 Superbike race from pole position is confidence-inspiring and we'll certainly take it."
Superbike Qualifying: 1 Guy Martin (Tyco Suzuki) 3:51.519 [115.083mph], 2 William Dunlop (Yamaha) +2.404s, 3 Bruce Anstey (Honda) +4.373s, 4 Michael Dunlop (Honda) +6.398s.
Supersport Qualifying: 1 William Dunlop (Yamaha) 3:51.362, Michael Dunlop (Honda) +0.053s, 3 Guy Martin (Tyco Suzuki) +1.801s, 4 Dean Harrison (Yamaha) +5.274s.
