In what was effectively his first competitive outing of the season, Ian Lougher once again graced the podium at Saturday’s Kennedy International North-West 200 when he took the Team Blackhorse Yamaha R6 to third place finishes in both Supersport races.
The meeting began with disappointment for Ian when he was forced to retire on the third lap of the DeWalt Performance Tools Superbike race with handling problems on the Yamaha R1 Superbike.
Undaunted, Ian then came to the grid for the Club SOI, Portrush 600cc Supersport race.
He came through at the end of the opening lap in eighth place and by lap four he was seventh but very much in touch with the leaders throughout. Drawing on all his experience, Ian set about a last lap charge, in which he posted the second fastest lap of the race at 118.416mph, and took a brilliant third at the expense of Ryan Farquhar, Keith Amor and Ian Hutchinson.
Olie Linsdell had a solid ride to finish a fine 17th with a fastest lap of 113.915mph.
Next on the schedule was the CP Hire Superstock race, an eventful one for Ian to say the least. For the opening two laps he was again in contention but lost a lot of time on the third lap when he caught his gear change at Ballysally Roundabout. With the lever bent, Ian approached Metropole Corner and found it difficult to change down quick enough, the result being an excursion down the slip road.
Ian then got to Mill Road to discover he was running out of fuel, and for the second time in the week stopped at the same garage.
Staff were treated to the somewhat surreal sight of Ian sitting at the pumps with the Team Blackhorse Yamaha R1 Superstock bike, getting a top-up of fuel to take him back to the paddock whilst conducting an impromptu photo-call with race fans!
Olie Linsdell meanwhile again rode steadily for another top 15 placing just ahead of Chris Palmer.
The second Superbike race, sponsored by the team’s own sponsors Blackhorse Motorcycle Finance would bring further disappointment with retirements for both Ian and Olie. Ian was again in the mix but unfortunately hit neutral approaching University corner on the third lap and re-joined the race in 17th position. After carrying on for another lap, Ian decided to retire with thoughts very much on the TT in one week’s time.
The team’s impressive R6 Supersport bike was once again brought to the line for the final race of the day, the Ballymoney Borough Council 600cc Supersport race. Following a red flag incident the race was re-run over the full distance and by the end of lap two six riders, Steve Plater, Ian Hutchinson, Alastair Seeley, Ian Lougher, Steve Brogan and Keith Amor had staked their claim for honours by establishing a 5.8 seconds lead over the rest of the field.
On lap three, the order was Seeley, Hutchinson, Plater, Brogan and Lougher with Amor a further 1.4 seconds back in sixth. On lap four Ian, who was down a little on acceleration but compensating for it on braking, moved ahead of BSB Supersport star Brogan and was pressing Hutchinson for third, eventually taking the final podium place just 1.960 seconds behind eventual winner Plater.
Ian Lougher:“All things considered it wasn’t my worst North-West 200 by any means and two podium finishes is certainly not to be scoffed at. From my own viewpoint, the Superbike races were disappointing but the Yamaha R1 is extremely quick and I am looking forward to unlocking its full potential at the Isle of Man TT races.
The meeting was of course marred by Robert Dunlop’s tragic accident. Robert was a great competitor and he and I enjoyed some thrilling dices over the years in the 125cc class. He will be sorely missed around the race paddocks, but of course it is at home where his passing will be most felt and on behalf of everyone at Team Blackhorse Yamaha I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and racing associates.”
The team now heads to the Isle of Man for the world famous TT races, practice for which gets underway on Saturday, with the first race a week later on the 31st May.
