NW200: McGuinness pole

John McGuinness has put his HM Plant Honda Fireblade on pole position for the Kennedy International North West 200 road race on Saturday, May 13, 2006.

McGuinness took pole with a 122.015mph lap, just faster than Bruce Anstey, wo lapped at 121.704mph on the TAS Suzuki. BSB star Michael Rutter was third for Stobart Honda with 121.490mph, followed by fellow circuit racing star Steve Plater on the second HM Plant Honda with 121.047mph.

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“I’m happed enough with the front row,” said Rutter. “It’s quite close and I did the lap on an old tyre. The track was a bit dirty in places but it didn’t affect my speed and we have a couple of minor modifications to make. All is looking good for Saturday and hopefully it’ll stay dry.”

The first race begins at 11am on Saturday, May 13, 2006.

Qualifying times (Thursday evening): 1. John McGuinness (HM Plant Honda) 122.015mph. 2. Bruce Ansty (TAS Suzuki) 121.704mph, 3. Michael Rutter (Stobart Honda) 121.490mph. 4. Steve Plater (HM Plant Honda) 121.047mph. 5. Ryan Rainey (IFS Honda) 119.527mph. 6. Alastair Seeley (Irish Bike Suzuki) 119.261mph. 7. Les Shand (Robinson Honda) 118.943mph. 8. Ian Lougher (Stobart Honda) 118.938mph. 9. Ian Hutchinson (McAdoo Kawasaki) 118.822mph. 10. Guy Martin AIM Racing 118.324mph.

In Superstock Bruce Anstey has topped the second qualifying sesson with 118.428 on the TAS Suzuki, from Ian Hutchinson and Raymond Porter.

In Supersport, Anstey again heads the field from Hutchinson, with John McGuinness third and Rob Frost fourth. Non qualifiers include Stuart Easton, Callum Ramsay, Adrian Archibald and Steve Plater.

in 250cc, the top three are Darren Lindsay, Darren Burns and Paul Owen. MCN roadtester Bruce Dunn has qualified 12th fastest on his Yamaha TZ250.

In 400cc/125cc, it’s Michael WIlcox on pole on his 125cc Honda, followed by fellow Honda riders Mark curtin and David lemon. Top 400 is Joe Phillips, who is fourth overall. William Dunlop is fifth on his Honda 125.