NW200: Plater sets fastest time in Tuesday practice

Steve Plater showed he is determined to add to his eight North West 200 wins by setting the fastest time in Superbike practice on Tuesday night.

Plater, in HM Plant Honda colours, had a time of 118.45mph with team-mate John McGuinness next best on 117.42.

Swan Honda rider Stuart Easton from Scotland set a new fastest speed trap time, touching 204mph on the approach to University Corner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bruce Anstey topped the Supersport times and William Dunlop the 125 class.

The Superstock practice was cancelled because of a delay caused by oil on the track at Station Corner.

"I was desperate to get a good time on the Superbike because the weather forecast for Thursday is not good," said Plater.

"If is is wet on Thursday, that will suit me.

"I didn't really get a clear lap and I am not happy with a few things on the bike.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We'll be making some changes and I'm pretty confident I can go a lot faster."

Easton was delighted with his speed record on his first outing on the North West circuit since 2007.

"It felt quite fast - I've done 197mph in the past on a Ducati so 204 is a fair bit faster," said the Scot.

"At that speed it's quite hard to support your head and it takes it out of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I'm pleased to be in the top three after missing the event in the last two years."

Other times:

Superbike first practice times

1 Steve Plater (Honda) 118.45

2 John McGuinness (Honda) 117.42

3 Stuart Easton (Honda) 117.09

4 Michael Dunlop (Honda) 116.87

5 Conor Cummins (Kawasaki) 116.39

6 Ryan Farquhar (Kawasaki) 116.09

Supersport

1 Bruce Anstey (Suzuki) 114.00

2 William Dunlop (Yamaha) 113.76

3 Keith Amor (Honda) 113.36

4 Ryan Farquhar (Kawasaki) 113.32

5 Guy Martin (Honda) 113.18

6 Michael Dunlop (Yamaha) 113.06

125cc

1 William Dunlop (Honda) 96.73

2 Chris Palmer (Honda) 95.31

3 Renzo van der Donckt (Honda) 94.34

Related topics: