NW200: Rutter takes Superbike pole after red flag

Michael Rutter will start on pole position for Saturday’s two Vauxhall International 200 Superbike races from pole position after a red flag brought a premature end to this afternoon’s final qualifying session.

A crash for John McGuinness at Primose Hill brought the red flag out with 20 minutes to go. The Honda Racing star has been taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.

Rutter was the only rider to better Alastair Seeley’s time from Tuesday’s opening session, therefore jumping into pole early in the session with a time of 4’23.943.

Seeley’s Tuesday time places him second on the grid ahead of an impressive showing from Glenn Irwin, who improved his time on the Be Wiser Ducati to complete the front row.

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Martin Jessopp rounded off a positive day to head up the second row ahead of Michael Dunlop, who had gone quick enough to secure a front row start in the second session but failed to complete enough laps to make his speed count. Hickman completes row two for Smiths BMW.

Ian Hutchinson will line up seventh on the Tyco BMW, ahead of Yamaha-mounted William Dunlop and James Hillier. Lee Johnston rounds out the top ten.

Things got no better for Guy Martin, who’ll start Saturday’s two races from a lowly 19^th on the grid as he continues to struggle to get to grips with the all new CBR1000RR Fireblade. 

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