In a stunning display of road racing prowess, Michael Dunlop edged closer to the all-time win record at the TT, securing his 25th career victory and second Supersport win of the 2023 event on Wednesday. The Ulsterman rode his MD Racing Yamaha to triumph, finishing just under 10 seconds ahead of Peter Hickman.
A New Supersport Lap Record
As reported by TT+ on June 15, 2023, Dunlop’s impressive performance set a new Supersport lap record of 130.403mph – a historic first-ever 130mph lap of the TT course for the class. Dunlop expressed his gratitude for his bike’s reliability, stating:
“The wee bike’s been faultless all week, it’s been fantastic. I had a bit of a bother before the first race and got it sorted. But she’s been mint.”
The Challenge of Newer Generation Bikes
Dunlop acknowledged the significant challenges posed by newer generation bikes with higher cc, saying:
“We’re always working in the workshop, over the winter we’re trying to get the better package and it’s hard because the newer generation bike with the higher cc is making our bike work harder.”
Hickman’s Impressive Performance
Hickman, who finished second, briefly threatened Dunlop’s lead during the final lap but ultimately became the second rider in history to post a 130mph lap in the class, completing his final tour at 130.2mph. Despite feeling he could have gone faster, Hickman conceded that Dunlop’s early lead made the difference.
“I’m not a million miles away, that’s for sure,” Hickman said. “I was pushing on that last lap… But it still wasn’t going to be enough for the win. He pulled the gap early on and I’m too far back from the start.”
This thrilling display of road racing news showcases the competitive spirit and exceptional skills of these top riders, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next moves on the track.
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