0:00:33 > 0:00:36The Ulster Grand Prix is one of Northern Ireland's
0:00:36 > 0:00:39oldest and most prestigious sporting events,
0:00:39 > 0:00:41and over the years it's always attracted
0:00:41 > 0:00:44the world's best motorcycle road racers.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- COMMENTATOR:- It's number six, Agostini, in the lead.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Joey Dunlop coming into view...!
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Almost 190 through here!
0:01:10 > 0:01:12They're so close together!
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Welcome to Dundrod for the first of two highlights programmes
0:01:23 > 0:01:27from the 2016 MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Here's what's coming up on tonight's show...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35We've action from the first four of the seven scheduled races -
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Supersport, Superstock, Lightweight...
0:01:39 > 0:01:43..and the big one, the Ulster Grand Prix Superbike showdown.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49One of the riders to watch every year is Englishman Ian Hutchinson.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54This is his guide to the fastest road racing circuit in the world.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55# Take me out of here
0:01:56 > 0:01:58# Take me out of here
0:01:59 > 0:02:01# Take me out of here
0:02:02 > 0:02:10# Take me out of here... #
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Well, Ian, this is your first key point in the circuit,
0:02:12 > 0:02:13the famous Deer's Leap.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Yeah, I think it's the first most important part of the track,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19where you need to be committed for sure,
0:02:19 > 0:02:20coming over a crest in fourth gear -
0:02:20 > 0:02:22back from sixth gear back to fourth -
0:02:22 > 0:02:24and you have to carry a lot of speed through it, so...
0:02:24 > 0:02:26pretty much all the front-runners get through the same,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28you're not going to gain anything on anyone,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31but it's an important corner for the whole lap to get good.
0:02:31 > 0:02:32The first of a few scary sections?
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Yeah, probably one of the more scary sections, yeah!
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- COMMENTATOR:- Ooh! And that looks like Ian Hutchinson
0:02:39 > 0:02:41on the Traction Control Yamaha.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43This is Quarterlands...
0:02:43 > 0:02:46It's almost like a 50-pence piece shape coming in,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48and you're on the side of the tyre braking...
0:02:48 > 0:02:50The road's always really dirty...
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- You get plenty of fans here! - HE CHUCKLES
0:02:52 > 0:02:56And then you carry the speed through quite a strange change of tarmac
0:02:56 > 0:02:58and into Isle of Men.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10So now we're onto the famous Budore Corner,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12which is now named after Ian Lougher.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Fifth gear approach - probably the most important corner on the circuit
0:03:15 > 0:03:17for a fast lap time.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20About 160 miles an hour through the apex of the corner here
0:03:20 > 0:03:23and the road falls away as soon as you go through back on the throttle,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25it's a very exciting part of the track.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- COMMENTATOR:- Up the inside of the crest into Lougher's...
0:03:28 > 0:03:30and he's made it stick.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36So, Tornagrough - we're getting towards the end of the lap here
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and this is a perfect place to try and snatch the lead.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Hard on the brakes into here from fourth gear to second -
0:03:41 > 0:03:43you can make a great pass.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45- COMMENTATOR:- Oh, Irwin!
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Glenn Irwin, so sharp on the brakes into Tornagrough.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Then you have to hold it off at the hairpin, just round the corner.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- COMMENTATOR:- Oh! Up the inside, Dean Harrison, perhaps,
0:03:59 > 0:04:00on Ian Hutchinson.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Well, Ian, last corner, last chance saloon?
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Yeah, it can be done around the last corner,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11it can't really be planned,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15it's just, er, a matter of if you're lucky and the gap opens up,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17you can just about get up the inside
0:04:17 > 0:04:19and get the run to the line and beat somebody.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22But it's definitely a wing and a prayer to do it.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24And you're going to take some fans out later on?
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Yeah, we're going round in a bus for Lee Johnston's cancer charity,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31so I get to show a few people some of the things that we experience
0:04:31 > 0:04:34when we're riding around at a slightly slower speed in the bus,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38but great to give them the opportunity to see it.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Er , up to fourth gear, fifth gear maybe...
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Then, again, you're braking really hard whilst leant over, so it's...
0:04:44 > 0:04:47There's a lot of places you rely on a front-end grip here.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50It's all about the fans here, isn't it?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Yeah, I get great support coming from England,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54which feels special cos obviously I'm not from here,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56and I'm sure they want a hometown winner,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59but I get a lot of support and it's great to get that.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08He'll be just a little bit quicker around here today.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Joining me on the grid is a 14-time race winner,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13here at the Ulster Grand Prix, Phillip McCallen.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Phillip, what does it take to do the business around here?
0:05:16 > 0:05:17It takes a lot of guts.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20You know, this is the fastest road race in the world
0:05:20 > 0:05:22at over 133-mile an hour lap.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25You know, it takes a lot of accuracy,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27you must get every corner spot-on,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29you must get every braking spot-on...
0:05:29 > 0:05:31You've just got to get it right if you want to go fast
0:05:31 > 0:05:33at the Ulster Grand Prix.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35Why do the riders love it here so much?
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Everyone loves this place, this is a proper...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42I have to be so careful what I say, but this is a Grand Prix road race.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45This is like a Grand Prix circuit with hedges.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48OK, let's get to the action in the Superstock class
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and join our commentary team, Dave Moore and Richard Nichols.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- RICHARD NICHOLS:- And as you heard,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00this qualifying grid was affected by weather,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02and I think the interesting thing, Dave,
0:06:02 > 0:06:03is that you have to go down two rows
0:06:03 > 0:06:05before you see names like Bruce Anstey...
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Three rows for Peter Hickman.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08Yes, it's a real mixed bag,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10you wouldn't expect to see the likes of
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Stevie Mercer or Jamie Coward on the front row,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14but, having said that, the Ulster Grand Prix,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16as long as you're in the lead pack by Leathemstown,
0:06:16 > 0:06:17you're in with a chance of the race.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20That's what all the people on the grid
0:06:20 > 0:06:22will be attempting to achieve
0:06:22 > 0:06:26as the first race of this weekend gets under way.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Watch the lights, heads down,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32and it's go for Ulster Grand Prix 2016,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34and look at Peter Hickman!
0:06:34 > 0:06:35Oh! Peter Hickman!
0:06:35 > 0:06:37I think that was Michael Dunlop he flew past there.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Looked as if he was always going to make connection,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43but Peter Hickman... Whoa! And he's flying, absolutely flying
0:06:43 > 0:06:46and he is now on The Flying Kilo... And Hickman leads!
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Dean Harrison into second, Dan Kneen's also up there in fourth...
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Here they go, Ulster Grand Prix is under way.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52Second wave on the road.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Yes, again, a mixture down here
0:06:54 > 0:06:56with Mark Goodings and Dom Herbertson,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58who did really well in the Dundrod 150.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00There, Dan Hegarty...
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Peter Hickman, Peter Hickman... He's leaving them behind.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Well, we thought that Peter Hickman
0:07:04 > 0:07:06might be the man to watch here this weekend...
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Dean Harrison into second, but Peter Hickman, wow!
0:07:09 > 0:07:11That was a start and a half, wasn't it?
0:07:11 > 0:07:15We're on board with Derek Sheils, one of the John Burrows machines,
0:07:15 > 0:07:17in the pack, in third place.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Yeah, just behind Dean Harrison and maybe going past Dean Harrison!
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Hickman's gone, though, hasn't he? - He has.- Hickman's just vanished.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26And look at Dan Kneen as well, Dan Kneen, ahead of Ian Hutchinson.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Michael Dunlop back behind Hutchinson as well.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Let's watch out for Hutchinson and Dunlop today...
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Yes, that little bit of rivalry,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35bound to be renewed.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Steve Mercer, one of two riders
0:07:37 > 0:07:39standing in on the RC Express Kawasaki.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Ivan Lintin's hurt and so they've called on the reserves
0:07:43 > 0:07:45and they've been doing a pretty good job, actually.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47And doing a very good job out front
0:07:47 > 0:07:50as this little battle for second place continues to get tasty...
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Hutchinson, where's he come from?!
0:07:52 > 0:07:53He's now up into third!
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Derek Sheils, looking at a clear road ahead.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Yes... Oh!- Not for long, though!
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- No.- I recognised that behind!
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Right, let's watch this again from Peter Hickman, row three...
0:08:05 > 0:08:07And he just slices through them.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Avoids Michael Dunlop, that was a heart-in-mouth moment, wasn't it?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13And then just passes everybody, down along The Flying Kilo,
0:08:13 > 0:08:17past Sheils, past Harrison and into first place.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Well, he nearly parked that Kawasaki
0:08:19 > 0:08:21right up the back of Michael Dunlop, didn't he?
0:08:21 > 0:08:23But he managed to get past
0:08:23 > 0:08:26and he's hanging on to the lead.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28This is good work for him.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31He knows that it hasn't quite got all the punch of the others.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35He knows he's got to do all his work on the brakes and in the corners,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39so he's trying to make the brake early, and at the Lindsay Hairpin,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42he's got a little bit of pursuit coming on now, hasn't he?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44He has. Peter Hickman will be enjoying this.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Peter Hickman, one of the British Superbike stars, of course.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47Ian Hutchinson,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50currently second in the British Superstock Championship...
0:08:50 > 0:08:52And Hutchinson is on a mission as well,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54he's trying to reel in Hickman as soon as he can,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56he doesn't want to let Hickman go.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58He knows that Hickman... Oh, and he's through!
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Where did Hutchinson come from?!
0:09:00 > 0:09:03That was breathtaking work from Ian Hutchinson, wasn't it?
0:09:03 > 0:09:07He's in a "no prisoners" mode arriving here this week,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11as you so rightly say, and Hickman is about to get mugged
0:09:11 > 0:09:13by the rest of the pack - look, here we go.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- And there is Michael... - Sheils goes through.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Yeah, Michael Dunlop, just behind Dean Harrison,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20trying to get the tow on the slipstream.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Derek Sheils, a great start, but he's losing positions.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Now that's Dan Kneen going through on the Mar-Train Yamaha...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27And it was going like a train, wasn't it?
0:09:27 > 0:09:30As they unwind the opening lap,
0:09:30 > 0:09:31everything just going up to temperature...
0:09:31 > 0:09:34They're right on it, right from the word go.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37So, Peter Hickman... DAVE CHUCKLES
0:09:37 > 0:09:39That was astounding from him.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Oh, someone's just gone straight on!
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Was that Hickman?- No... - No, it's Gary...
0:09:43 > 0:09:46No, Gary Johnson's looking fine, that was a...
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Kawasaki for sure, wasn't it?- It could have been, it could have been.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51He certainly was leading. There is Hutchinson.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Yes, it was! It was Peter Hickman at Leathemstown.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- Well! - Well, that's a shame, isn't it?
0:09:56 > 0:09:59All that punch at the opening lap
0:09:59 > 0:10:01and it's all come to nothing at Leathemstown on lap two.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04And Hutchinson, in the clear.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Dan Kneen, though...
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Dan Kneen... And Michael Dunlop now has passed Dean Harrison,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10he's up to fourth, Harrison back to fifth,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13but this is a superb ride from Dan Kneen.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Hickman has carried on, but he is way down the order
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and he'll be pulling in at the end of this lap.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Do you think he had a moment there,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23or do you think he had just a technical issue?
0:10:23 > 0:10:26It's very strange. However... Back to the front...
0:10:26 > 0:10:30And Dan Kneen, superb! Dan Kneen has always been on the...
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- Ooh! Dunlop on Sheils!- Yes! BOTH LAUGH
0:10:34 > 0:10:35Dunlop versus Hutchinson
0:10:35 > 0:10:38is coming to a living room to you very, very soon, isn't it?
0:10:38 > 0:10:41It's heading your way at about 180 mph!
0:10:41 > 0:10:46Dan Kneen, the little sandwich in the Dunlop-Hutchinson dispute.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Dan Kneen, this is fantastic from him, I'm so excited for him,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52cos he's caught up now with Ian Hutchinson.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- He started the year with that broken arm, didn't he?- Yes.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Well, he didn't start the year,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58but he had that broken arm just before the Isle of Man TT...
0:10:58 > 0:10:59But now he's looks to be back
0:10:59 > 0:11:02and he's challenging Ian Hutchinson at the Lindsay Hairpin!
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Well, he's definitely back
0:11:04 > 0:11:06to full strength, isn't he?
0:11:06 > 0:11:09He was right at the top of his form when he fell off his mountain bike,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12and he says he's still a little bit sore sometimes, but...
0:11:12 > 0:11:14And you're right, Hickman's cruising, isn't he?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Yes, some kind of issue.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19What a shame for Peter Hickman, and he'd have been so excited
0:11:19 > 0:11:21about the way he started leading this race
0:11:21 > 0:11:23and then got in the battle with Hutchinson.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- But they go over the line... - Here comes Dunlop...
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Half a second between... - Oh! Oh! Whoo! That was so close!
0:11:29 > 0:11:32So, so close. Dan Kneen and Michael Dunlop.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36And now Dunlop into second with Hutchy in his sights -
0:11:36 > 0:11:38don't turn round, Ian.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42There was only half a second between them as Hickman comes into the pits.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Ian Hutchinson versus Michael Dunlop then...
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Michael Dunlop, we've seen him in the past
0:11:46 > 0:11:48not get off to the greatest of starts in races,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51but he manages to fight his way back as they go...
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- He's warmed up a bit now, hasn't he? - And they're side by side.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54And Ian Hutchinson...
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Well, if anything was going to spur Ian Hutchinson on,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59it's now the sight of Michael Dunlop's backside!
0:11:59 > 0:12:00Disappearing up the road,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02or hopefully not disappearing up the road,
0:12:02 > 0:12:06cos what we want to see now is these two absolute maestros...
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Oh, and Dan Kneen joining in - still he's right there.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12So that's not over for him.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16But we have got this long-standing rivalry going on
0:12:16 > 0:12:18between Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20they're both at peak power.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Gary Johnson, doing a brilliant job...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Parachuted quite literally in to replace Lee Johnston
0:12:25 > 0:12:28after he fell over and broke his collarbone earlier in the week.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30But this is the battle for the lead -
0:12:30 > 0:12:32first, second and third -
0:12:32 > 0:12:34and here comes fourth, fifth and sixth,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36and they're just as close, aren't they?
0:12:36 > 0:12:39We're back with the front two at Lindsay Hairpin,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Michael Dunlop cannot shake off Ian Hutchinson,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Ian Hutchinson will carry as much spin as he can into the turn
0:12:44 > 0:12:46and try and get on the power as quickly as he can,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48but Michael Dunlop maintains that gap.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- Backmarkers in the way.- This could be an issue for all of the top six,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56cos we've got two battles going on at the moment.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57This is the other one...
0:12:57 > 0:13:01And so we've got two bunches of three closing on the tail-enders
0:13:01 > 0:13:05and they'll find out the hard way when Michael Dunlop arrives.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08And that has just happened, hasn't it?
0:13:09 > 0:13:12So, then, Dunlop will get the last lap flag,
0:13:12 > 0:13:157.4 miles of this race still to go.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Ian Hutchinson is second, it is far from over!
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Dan Kneen looks to be settling for third position.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23There's a cracking battle involving Derek Sheils, Conor Cummins
0:13:23 > 0:13:25and Dean Harrison for fourth.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27But it's all eyes on these two right now.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30And... This is that cracking battle, as you were saying,
0:13:30 > 0:13:32and they are swapping places
0:13:32 > 0:13:35in the slipstream as well.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37And it's not often you see that happening
0:13:37 > 0:13:40on this run down towards the corners,
0:13:40 > 0:13:44But it's this battle - Michael Dunlop, a bike's length,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47two lengths in front of Ian Hutchinson,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50who is now riding out of his skin!
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Yep, and this is that battle, we are back with Derek Sheils.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Conor Cummins, about to be passed... by Sheils.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Sheils in front of him.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Derek Sheils, the Irish Superbike champion...
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Gary Johnson trying to get in on the end of this battle as well.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05Trying to gap them.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Oh, Hutchinson is up behind Dunlop.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12There's a backmarker in the way, and I think
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Dunlop has reacted to it and Hutchinson has taken his chance.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Certainly, Michael Dunlop reacted to the backmarker then.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21And Hutchinson goes through Jordan's.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Michael Dunlop is looking for a way past,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26they're side-by-side as they go up the hill, Hutchy is in front!
0:14:26 > 0:14:32That was all that was needed to change the order at the front.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35And there's not a lot of time left now.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- That definitely played into... - Hutchy's hands.- It did.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40I think that because Hutchinson gambled...
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Dunlop reacted and Hutchinson gambled
0:14:42 > 0:14:44and it paid off for Ian Hutchinson.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Into the Lindsay Hairpin. Dunlop is far from finished, though.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49He's round the outside, but he's not going to do it unless
0:14:49 > 0:14:52he can get the real powerful drive out of the corner on the BMW.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54It does pick up well.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57It's all about the rider, that moment coming out of the hairpin.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59He got that absolutely right. He still could not catch them.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Just look at this!
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Gary Johnson passed Derek Sheils, amazing.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05Gary Johnson up to speed.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Unfortunately, he's on the last lap now.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09But he's going to pick a good position.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Top six is what he's after.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Dean Harrison, from Conor Cummins.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17It's excitement all the way, but let's go back to the front.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21It's all over the place, but he's hung on to it
0:15:21 > 0:15:22and he won't be passed now,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25after that backmarker hiding in the hedge there.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Oh, a big wobble from Hutchinson as he takes the chequered flag!
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Dunlop will have to be second and a great third place for Dan Kneen.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34What a great start to the Ulster Grand Prix.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38What a fantastic finish to the opening race for Hutchy.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39Grabbed it in among the traffic.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Managed to just stay ahead of Michael Dunlop.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Ian, congratulations. One race, one win - what a start.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Yeah, yeah. I mean, I love this bike.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I've won the North West on it, I've won the TT on it,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55I've won a British Superstock race on it.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58So when we had the wet session, I qualified 15th,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01I was feeling down about it, but knew we could come through.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I had to be patient and make a plan.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06The only thing that could go wrong is if it was
0:16:06 > 0:16:09red flagged, because I wanted to do it on the last lap.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11It was tight, but came across a backmarker and it was going to be
0:16:11 > 0:16:13whoever got past it first probably won,
0:16:13 > 0:16:15so I had to make sure I was past first.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Michael, congratulations. Great race to start the day?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Yeah, good race. The weather is good.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25A wee bit blowy, but at least we've got a dry day for once,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28so, yeah, good race. Just caught the wrong place.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Just the backmarker, hard to get. But that's how she goes.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Ian Hutchinson takes the top step of the podium,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37and is that Ian Hutchinson 1, Michael Dunlop 0?
0:16:37 > 0:16:39We will have to wait and see.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46One of the big twists in the build-up to this year's race
0:16:46 > 0:16:49came on the opening morning of practice.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Lee Johnston, last year's man of the meeting, fell off his 250
0:16:52 > 0:16:54and fractured his collarbone.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Devastating for Lee and his team,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00but thankfully, they had a super sub on speed dial.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Always nice to get called up - not in these circumstances, obviously,
0:17:07 > 0:17:08being Lee's friend and one of
0:17:08 > 0:17:11his biggest supporters when we're not rivals.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13So, gutted to get that news,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15but then, when I got the call, "Do you want to replace him?"
0:17:15 > 0:17:18they've got commitments that they've got to fulfil, you know,
0:17:18 > 0:17:19jumped straight to it.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22He's a top road racer, you know what I mean?
0:17:22 > 0:17:25It was just on the off chance maybe that he wasn't racing
0:17:25 > 0:17:28this weekend anyway, so it's great for the team and everything,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30for him to get a run out.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32So, yeah, all credit to him. Hopefully, he goes well.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Are you getting back on the podium here?
0:17:35 > 0:17:36It would be nice to.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39The last time I was here, I was on the podium,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41but it is a strong field.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I'm a bit low on laps, but I was up to sixth straightaway,
0:17:44 > 0:17:45so, see where we can pull.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47It could be written in the stars.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- HE CHUCKLES - Yeah. Hopefully!
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Great to see Gary here, Philip,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59but massively disappointing for Lee Johnston.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01It's sad Lee's not here.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Last year he was man of the meeting
0:18:03 > 0:18:07and I was talking to him earlier, he wanted to come here and win races.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10This Supersport class - wide open, isn't it?
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Yes, it is, but let's not forget Gary Johnson is here to replace Lee
0:18:15 > 0:18:17and he has been on the podium here before
0:18:17 > 0:18:19and is looking for another podium.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Any number, from six to ten, could win this.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24This is a very competitive class,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27probably really between this and Superstock
0:18:27 > 0:18:30the most equal class out there, so realistically,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32there's one or two men we think will win
0:18:32 > 0:18:36but realistically, probably at least eight people have a chance.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Keeping his cards close to his chest!
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Let's find out. We'll rejoin Dave and Richard.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- COMMENTATOR:- Another interesting weather-affected grid,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47with both the Dunlop brothers
0:18:47 > 0:18:49on the second row for the Supersport.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51But plenty of quality on the grid.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Bruce Anstey in pole position, ahead of Ian Hutchinson.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55Yes indeed. Conor Cummins,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58wouldn't really have had him down as a 600 specialist,
0:18:58 > 0:18:59but he is there on the front row.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01I think we are seeing a new-look Conor Cummins
0:19:01 > 0:19:04this week at the Ulster Grand Prix.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08A slight delay for a shower, but it has been declared a dry race.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10It could be interesting, should conditions worsen.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12They shouldn't do.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14We're looking for the lights to go out, and away they go.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Looks like Bruce Anstey has it pinned.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19But Ian Hutchinson is looking very interesting on his right side
0:19:19 > 0:19:21and Hutchinson gets the holeshot.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Hutchinson will lead them onto the Flying Kilo for the first time.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25Bruce Anstey will tuck in behind.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28But we can expect to see three or four other bikes, perhaps,
0:19:28 > 0:19:29come shooting past.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Great start for Dan Kneen, and William Dunlop as well,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- and Dean Harrison back in fifth. - Anstey round the outside.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Oh, sorry, but that was Bruce on the move,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40and now it's Dan Kneen having a go as well.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41Hutchy is having none of that.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Did he have his foot down as the second row gets away?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Brian McCormack, Dan Haggerty on number 50
0:19:46 > 0:19:50getting a good start, Davy Morgan. We are on board with Conor Cummins.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Am I wrong about how vital he seems this week at the UGP?
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Yeah, amazing. Absolutely amazing.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59It's good to see William Dunlop - he could be strong in this one.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04Supposedly, this is his race, we are on board with Dan Kneen,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08tucked behind Hutchinson in second place at the moment.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Looking at Anstey up ahead.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Another great start from Kneen, he did well in the Superstock,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18and is going well in the Supersport as well.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21That was no flash in the pan. But Dean Harrison back in fourth
0:20:21 > 0:20:24and Dan Kneen is going for Ian Hutchinson.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25Showing the young pup...
0:20:25 > 0:20:28That is Dan Kneen showing Ian Hutchinson the way through.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31He's gone for him. We are on board with Dean Harrison,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35had a good season, gone back to his old team, gone back to his old bike
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and he is really enjoying it.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Jamie Coward, one of the stand-ins at RC Express,
0:20:41 > 0:20:42for Alan Bonner, I think.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Also looking good.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Here's Dean Harrison's start.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Hutchinson gets the holeshot,
0:20:49 > 0:20:54but Anstey and Conor Cummins both tucking in.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Anstey, though, with this move,
0:20:57 > 0:21:01and as we will see now from the on-board of Kneen...
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Great start for the front row and the second row.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08A little group there, but whoosh - straight through.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Look at William Dunlop, going past them
0:21:11 > 0:21:14like the proverbial hot knife through butter.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20About time we saw William or Michael Dunlop put in a showing.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24They are all behaving themselves on this opening lap.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Bruce Anstey, more so than anyone at the moment,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31is dictating terms out in front, and if he can brake...
0:21:31 > 0:21:33because we have seen with the 600 so many times...
0:21:33 > 0:21:37A little bit of rain at the top of the circuit.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39It was raining before this race,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41that might just be the leftovers.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44The forecast is essentially very, very good.
0:21:44 > 0:21:50We're not expecting anything but the lightest of light showers.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Kneen gets shuffled back two places, look.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55There are the blue skies just ahead of them.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58And Bruce Anstey ahead of them, he was 1.4 seconds ahead of Hutchinson.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Kneen back in third,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Harrison, Cummins, William Dunlop, Paul Jordan going well.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Michael Dunlop, though, has retired.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12Conor Cummins, far too tall to be a successful 600 racer,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15but he keeps proving me wrong.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19He did well on the 600 last year on the roads and is doing so again.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Streaking through the countryside.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25You get some idea of what this circuit is like when you get
0:22:25 > 0:22:28that long shot like that and you see this high-speed train
0:22:28 > 0:22:32going between the hedges, under the trees.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36The man with the train driver's cap on at the moment is Bruce Anstey.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Swinging right over Deer's Leap.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40It's a massive turn.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44You're approaching a blind crest and you just have to commit.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Dan Kneen, oh, he's full of confidence, isn't he?
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Up behind Dean Harrison.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55He is well into mixing it with these boys.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57A bit of injury at the beginning of the year
0:22:57 > 0:22:59and he is maybe a bit race-starved,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01a bit hungrier than some of the others.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04That is Cummins, I think, challenging Dan Kneen.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Harrison into third, of course.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Kneen wanted to get third place back.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Anstey, though... - He did make his escape.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13While they've been squabbling, he's gone up the road.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16This'll be a very difficult gap to make up.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Bruce Anstey will be a very hard man to catch.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21You are right, he will be a very hard man,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23especially as they keep squabbling over second place.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Dean Harrison trying to take second from Ian Hutchinson.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31Ian Hutchinson, of course, on the bike supplied by
0:23:31 > 0:23:34the Prodigy frontman, Keith Prodigy...
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Keith Flint, sorry, of the Prodigy.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39I think we all knew who Keith Prodigy was!
0:23:39 > 0:23:41LAUGHING
0:23:41 > 0:23:43This is the train.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45This is what they should be doing.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Tuck in nose to tail.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48Get down behind the bubble.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Bum up and chase after Anstey
0:23:50 > 0:23:52and the top step of the podium.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Hutchy is having a go by himself.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Cummins, having passed Kneen, is now trying to pass Harrison.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59But Kneen wants that position back as well.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02When you ride as hard as this,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05fifth place isn't the reward you are after.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08But they're all racing as hard as one another.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13Absolutely, you do expect to be battling for the lead at this pace,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15and they all are, essentially.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Bruce Anstey is not uncatchable, he will be hard to catch,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21and Williams right on the back of this group now.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22He's in with a shout as well.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25One, two, three, four, five - that quickly,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28and that is the battle for second place.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30All the while, of course, while Bruce Anstey is leading,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33the race will seem to be taking an awful long time to finish,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36while the guys in second, third, fourth
0:24:36 > 0:24:39will be going far too quickly for them.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Yeah, Bruce will come round every time to the start-finish line
0:24:42 > 0:24:45and think, "Where's that crossed flag?"
0:24:45 > 0:24:46Yeah, where is it?
0:24:46 > 0:24:50So, again, all parts of the Dundrod circuit is lovely,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52it just flows so well.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Lovely to ride, and must be fantastic to race on,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59especially when you're travelling at this speed.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03And going as well as everybody here is, Bruce is well away, isn't he?
0:25:03 > 0:25:05You could see how hard he was pushing,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09he drifted out into the corner and is getting on the speed.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10Oh! Yes!
0:25:10 > 0:25:13On Dean Harrison, over the line they go.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- So, it's Anstey from Hutchinson. - That worked.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18All that drive out of the corner
0:25:18 > 0:25:20brought him up alongside Dean Harrison.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22I'm not sure it's going to get him past Dean Harrison.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It hasn't yet, as they come down.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Dan Kneen.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30No. I didn't think he would.
0:25:30 > 0:25:31Ooh!
0:25:31 > 0:25:34A great effort from Dan Kneen.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Bruce Anstey, this is mega from Bruce, isn't it?
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Absolutely. Racing Bruce has arrived at the Ulster Grand Prix,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41by the way, if no-one's noticed!
0:25:41 > 0:25:45And Ian Hutchinson perhaps has got a little gap on this battle for third.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Harrison and Cummins and Kneen, out of Leathemstown they go.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50And as I say that,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Hutchinson maybe just messed that up a little bit on the exit,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56because he's allowed that gap to close back up again.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59This is really good for Dean Harrison too.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01He has been one of the cunning young men of this sport,
0:26:01 > 0:26:05and here he is, mixing it at the very highest level.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07And absolutely nothing to say, "Yeah, but he's good,"
0:26:07 > 0:26:09but he is right there with them now.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- Well, he's one of them.- Yup. - Cummins, Harrison, Kneen,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16the young guns of road racing now showing their potential
0:26:16 > 0:26:17here at the Dundrod circuit
0:26:17 > 0:26:20and mixing it with the likes of Ian Hutchinson.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22And almost, Bruce Anstey, as Dan Kneen goes through.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26This has been fantastic from Kneen, he has been spoken about a lot
0:26:26 > 0:26:30in the last few years, but he seems to have come of age today.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32He is really mixing it.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Nearly mixed it up completely there.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Hutchinson has a little gap,
0:26:36 > 0:26:41not even on a break yet, but he has just eased away.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Bruce Anstey and then this four.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Don't discount William Dunlop - he could just get in there.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49He could.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53William's not the William Dunlop we were expecting,
0:26:53 > 0:26:57that we normally expect, let's say, in a 600 race.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01He's normally quite the kiddie, but he's struggling to match the pace.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04I don't know if everyone else has just upped the game
0:27:04 > 0:27:07a little bit over what was expected,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10but Hutchy will not have second place easily.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12No, he's not.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15At the back, the likes of Peter Hickman,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Paul Jordan is going well and Christian Elkin,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21but Bruce Anstey still out in front,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25and I'm sure if you said to him before the race about everyone else,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28being a typical 600 race, for him to be out on his own,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30no-one would have expected that.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33With the 600s, on the roads, and especially at Dundrod,
0:27:33 > 0:27:34they all seem to be bunched together.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37They are for second place, but not in the case of Bruce Anstey,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40who is out in front. Look at the gap now!
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Bruce is definitely riding as well as he ever has, probably better.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Hutchinson is back to his normal self.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Dean Harrison, we've just spoken about,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Dan Kneen and Conor Cummins,
0:27:50 > 0:27:54these are all top riders performing
0:27:54 > 0:27:56at the very top of the game.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Only Bruce Anstey can beat Bruce Anstey now,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00this lead that he's got.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Into the hairpin they go.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Another iconic part of the Dundrod circuit.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09This twist down to the start line,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12this series of bends through Flowbog and down to
0:28:12 > 0:28:17the start-finish line, very few places for overtaking,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20unless you are doing last-lap, desperate manoeuvres.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23You expect them to behave themselves.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27We had one from Ian Hutchinson back in 2010.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Just going into Dawson's.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33I don't think I will ever see anyone ever do that again.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36It was such a remarkable move from Hutchinson.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Here they come to complete yet another lap.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Once again, Bruce Anstey... There goes Conor Cummins.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46That worked this time.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50It did. Just tucked in behind, pulled out of the slipstream.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53Anstey must have been looking for the chequered flag
0:28:53 > 0:28:56as he came past that time, but it wasn't there.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01Hutchy is looking like the strongest of the pursuit now.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04I think he might well have eased away from the fighting
0:29:04 > 0:29:07that's going on behind him in second place
0:29:07 > 0:29:09and that'll do him a power of good.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Whether there's enough time left for him to chase Bruce Anstey now
0:29:12 > 0:29:14is another matter altogether.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Well, yeah, a couple of laps still to go,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19whether or not it's going to happen remains to be seen.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Just wind the throttle back and keep going up into the sky,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27this is an amazing race track.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Hutchinson trying to catch Bruce Anstey.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Never gives up, Hutchy, as you know.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36If you know anything about Ian Hutchinson,
0:29:36 > 0:29:38that is one thing you can definitely say -
0:29:38 > 0:29:40he never gives up at anything.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41So, over Deer's Leap they go,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45and Hutchinson seems to have broken from Harrison, Cummins and Kneen.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49William Dunlop seems to be off the pace of these three.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Dan Kneen at the back of this little group.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Always looking for an opportunity, Dan Kneen, not thinking,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57"Let's go another lap and I'll nail them on the last corner,"
0:29:57 > 0:30:00he's always looking for a way past.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Cummins looking for a way past on Dean Harrison,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07not quite finding it.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09So out of Quarterlands,
0:30:09 > 0:30:11up to Ireland's they go.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Absolutely...
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Even Hickman, at the back, you can see he is trying
0:30:17 > 0:30:19everything he can
0:30:19 > 0:30:22to try to catch the group ahead of them,
0:30:22 > 0:30:23knocking it up.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27The weather has improved enormously.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30A little bit of sunshine in the late morning
0:30:30 > 0:30:33here around the Dundrod Circuit,
0:30:33 > 0:30:38as we go around the right-hand turn and up towards Jordan's Cross.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Still nothing between these three.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Ohhh!
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Dan Kneen in the dirt!
0:30:46 > 0:30:48That was too close for comfort.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- If there is not enough race track, invent some!- Yes.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56Conor Cummins and Dean Harrison will be unaware of what just happened
0:30:56 > 0:31:00behind them, but it hasn't knocked Dan Kneen's confidence
0:31:00 > 0:31:02by the looks of things.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05I think when you're riding as close to the edge, like that,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08as they are, it is all over before it has happened, really.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10He will think about it afterwards,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13but he won't really have taken it in just now.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Conor Cummins looking for a piece of racetrack there
0:31:16 > 0:31:18that Dean Harrison was occupying.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20He had to back off.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Dan Kneen has now closed up
0:31:22 > 0:31:25and look at William Dunlop coming in on the back of Dan Kneen as well.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Meanwhile, Bruce...
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- Oh, Hutchison trying! - He's not the only one.- No, he's not.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Conor Cummins heavy on the front brakes,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36rear wheel lifting up, they are trying.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Did that let Dan Kneen get close enough
0:31:39 > 0:31:40and get a drive on him?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- I don't think so.- No.- Conor Cummins might just have got away with that.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- I think he did.- Bruce is absolutely in control of the race.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50This is the battle for third that we are looking at.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52It is a battle for third that William Dunlop...
0:31:52 > 0:31:54There's enough time for him to get involved,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57so four for that final rostrum position.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Again, Anstey just tends to drift it wide on the exit there.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02But Hutchinson takes that a lot tighter.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04He's getting closer, Ian Hutchinson.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08Here comes Cummins. He nipped past Dan Kneen earlier.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10COMMENTATORS GASP
0:32:10 > 0:32:14Cummins just in third place from Dean Harrison.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Dean Harrison might have had a wheel in front.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19They are side by side now.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22He has come up on the leaderboard, as Dan Kneen comes through!
0:32:22 > 0:32:23What a move from Dan Kneen!
0:32:23 > 0:32:25He's taken both of them!
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- Remarkable.- Watching for an opportunity,
0:32:28 > 0:32:30and he just saw one and snatched it.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32That was tremendous work from Dan Kneen.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- Brilliant from Dan Kneen. - Great 600 racing.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Dan Kneen is fulfilling his potential.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40OK, he's not... Oh, now... Red flag.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- Ah...- What a shame.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Just when we were hoping...
0:32:44 > 0:32:48I think that was it, just a bit of debris on the track,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51rather than anything less appealing,
0:32:51 > 0:32:53but that means we are going to get a result, I think,
0:32:53 > 0:32:57and go back to the last time they went over the line.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58That means that Ian Hutchinson's
0:32:58 > 0:33:00pursuit of Bruce Anstey
0:33:00 > 0:33:01is never going to happen.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Bruce deserves that one.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Conor Cummins, a fighting third.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Dan Kneen gets his fifth place,
0:33:07 > 0:33:09not where he fought his way up to.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10Bruce, congratulations.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12No-one likes to see a raised red flag
0:33:12 > 0:33:14but your brilliant run continues.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Yeah. It was a good win. A bit dodgy conditions,
0:33:18 > 0:33:20so I thought I'd better make the most of it.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22I wanted to make them brake on the Yamahas,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25because I struggle with top speed on the Yamahas,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27so I put my head down on the first couple of laps
0:33:27 > 0:33:30just to get a bit of a break and it worked out.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41The undisputed master around Dundrod was the great Joey Dunlop.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45He had 24 wins here, in a glittering road-racing career.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50His son Gary is riding in the Ulster Grand Prix for the first time
0:33:50 > 0:33:52and is carrying the famous number three.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59Gary, how special is it to be here and have that famous number three?
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Being here is a big thing for me
0:34:02 > 0:34:05because it's been my favourite race since I was a cub
0:34:05 > 0:34:07so being here is pretty special.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09You'll have the famous yellow helmet on,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12you'll be guaranteed a lot of support.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Aye. It's something I've always wanted to wear.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19I wore it whenever I rode my bicycle in the yard
0:34:19 > 0:34:21when I was a young boy.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25I do take pride in wearing it. It's nice.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Phillip, it's great to see Gary
0:34:29 > 0:34:32carrying on that proud family tradition.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Yeah, the Dunlop name here at the Ulster Grand Prix.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36The grandstand is named after Joey.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40I remember many races against Joey around here
0:34:40 > 0:34:42so it's great to see Gary back on the grid.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45We remember the famous days of Joey, Robert and myself
0:34:45 > 0:34:48screaming round here on 250s.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51The people love it, and it's great to see it back.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53OK. While Phillip gets nostalgic,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55we'll hand you across to Dave and Richard!
0:34:57 > 0:34:59So, the front row, then, is Neil Kernohan on his own.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Paul Owen hasn't been able to make it round.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05He broke down at Cochranstown. As the lights go out and away we go,
0:35:05 > 0:35:09and Neil Kernohan with a belter of a start, as you would expect.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12No-one able to exploit the spaces just ahead of them.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Gartland did get a good start,
0:35:14 > 0:35:16on the far side of row two.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20He had it all to himself, so you'd expect him to be in second place.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Kernohan way out in front.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Look at Davy Morgan making his way through.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27I think he could be going up into second place here.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Could he? He's ahead of Gartland.
0:35:29 > 0:35:34He did this on Wednesday in the Dundrod 150... Thursday, I mean.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38As the 125s get underway, with Christian Elkin in pole position,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42his normal clean start, absolutely perfect from him.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Melissa Kennedy got off the line well.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Yes, Dunlop, the familiar helmet,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49colours of his father Joey, not getting the best of starts.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51But it's all about the race, isn't it?
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Absolutely. So, Kernohan out in front.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57This is what Davy Morgan did in the Dundrod the other day -
0:35:57 > 0:36:00came off of the back of that whole wave
0:36:00 > 0:36:03and straight through on the Flying Kilo. Amazing start.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Then it was a very close race all the way,
0:36:05 > 0:36:07but it looks as though Neil Kernohan
0:36:07 > 0:36:09has made great use of that empty front row
0:36:09 > 0:36:12and scooted off up the road.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14We are on board with Paul Jordan,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17who was unfortunate not to finish the previous race.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Neil Kernohan must be wondering where everyone's gone.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25That was a great start from him,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28even though he didn't need it that badly.
0:36:28 > 0:36:3029, Sam Wilson on the 125s.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32There's Gary Dunlop,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35just behind number seven, Melissa Kennedy.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41On board with Paul Gartland.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Been having a very reasonable season, Paul Gartland,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49one of the stalwarts of the road-racing paddock
0:36:49 > 0:36:52around Northern Ireland, but... Oh!
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Front wheels chattering!
0:37:00 > 0:37:05The 250s running round this track a little easier than the 125s.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08You've really got to wind the 125s up and give them a good shake
0:37:08 > 0:37:12to get them to go faster. They've got to carry speed everywhere.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14There's a bit more stop and squirt with the 250s
0:37:14 > 0:37:16that you can get away with.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- Ooh...- Ooh...no...
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Yes! Paul Gartland has done it.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Up the inside of Darryl Tweed,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31who chatters his way into the Lindsay Hairpin once again.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34He had trouble with this hairpin
0:37:34 > 0:37:36and he wanted to be there for that.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39I think he thinks that's his best opportunity.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Oh, dear, straight on.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47It's the same story in both races.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Christian Elkin has done his usual disappearing trick!
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Neil Kernohan has... Ohh!
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Oh, they touched!
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Oh, that was not very good at all.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00That was the Canadian rider, Singleton.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- Boy, oh boy, oh boy, that was close. - That hurt, I bet.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07That must have come as a nasty shock. No blue flags, as you say,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10so all of a sudden, somebody barges past you, like that,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13and Neil Kernohan collecting a chequered flag
0:38:13 > 0:38:15that was pretty much a formality
0:38:15 > 0:38:18from the moment he was left alone on the front row.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20So, Neil Kernohan from Davy Morgan,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23somebody else who was pretty much alone.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Darryl Tweed, Steve Morrison and Paul Gartland -
0:38:25 > 0:38:28that is how that little duel finished up.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Pretty similar story in the 125s.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Christian Elkin's win not really a formality,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37but he made it look easy, as he so often does.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Sam Wilson second, Paul Robinson ahead of Gary Dunlop,
0:38:40 > 0:38:44Nigel Moore, and Melissa Kennedy coming home in sixth place.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52One of the riders who has impressed on the local road-racing scene
0:38:52 > 0:38:54is Dubliner Derek Sheils.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58He's hoping to mix it on the big bike with the very best.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Derek, how are you feeling about this week?
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Form has looked good in qualifying.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Yeah, it's been a surprise, really.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08The bikes are going well, John Burrows runs a tight ship here.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10He had an engine blow up on the big bike,
0:39:10 > 0:39:12an hour later we had another engine in
0:39:12 > 0:39:15and got on the next session, so, yeah, it's a bit of a surprise
0:39:15 > 0:39:17but I know I can ride a bike
0:39:17 > 0:39:20and I hope to be there or thereabouts or somewhere!
0:39:20 > 0:39:23What has it been like, mixing it with those big names?
0:39:23 > 0:39:27It's cool. I've been racing in the same paddock as Michael for years
0:39:27 > 0:39:29so I chat away to him. There's no bother.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Whenever you get out on the track,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33you don't think about them being a big name,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37you just ride against them. Well, I don't, anyway.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40What would it mean to get a podium here?
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Brilliant. I dream of it. So, we'll see what happens.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46This is practice racing, so if you can get away in the front group,
0:39:46 > 0:39:50you're in with a shout. Hopefully we will be in with a shout.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55One new addition at this year's Ulster Grand Prix
0:39:55 > 0:39:57is super-pole, which determines the grid positions
0:39:57 > 0:40:00at the head of the Superbikes' race.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Clerk of the course Noel Johnston can explain.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11Noel, tell us what super-pole is and why you brought it in.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15I thought it would be good for the spectators
0:40:15 > 0:40:17and also for the competitors.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19They're getting a clear road,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22nobody in front of them to get a good quick lap in.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25And taking full advantage was Bruce Anstey,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28fresh from his supersport win.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29The New Zealander took pole
0:40:29 > 0:40:33but hot on his heels - again - were Michael Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41Well, this is the main event, the Ulster Grand Prix Superbike race.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43Phillip, this is the one they all want.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45This is the one people want today,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47and I believe, to be honest, the lap record will go.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50At the minute, it's over 133mph,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and I think before the end of this race,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55it will go to 134 or a little bit more.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Who are your main contenders?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59I think we have to talk about Michael Dunlop.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Michael is hungry, he hasn't had a win yet and he wants one.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05That bike he's riding has been out seven times this year
0:41:05 > 0:41:08and has had seven wins, so it's looking for number eight,
0:41:08 > 0:41:12but Hutchy wants a win, Bruce Anstey is here on that new Honda,
0:41:12 > 0:41:13he wants to win,
0:41:13 > 0:41:18but Hickman, he has had a slow BSB season, he wants a road win.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23He won here last year, so I'm just not sure who it's going to be.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Teed up beautifully. It's going to be a biggie.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28Let's hand you over to Dave and Richard.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31And here's a little bit of history for you -
0:41:31 > 0:41:34the first-ever grid at the Ulster Grand Prix
0:41:34 > 0:41:37to be decided by a super-pole outing.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38It has worked in that we have got
0:41:38 > 0:41:41arguably the four best riders on the front row -
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Bruce Anstey, Michael Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson and Peter Hickman.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Still arguing about that one in the paddock
0:41:47 > 0:41:50and I dare say it will go on for ages
0:41:50 > 0:41:52but this race is about to start now
0:41:52 > 0:41:55with those first two rows decided.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Peter Hickman, again, front wheel up in the air.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00He needs to get that down on the ground as soon as he can.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03We're on board with Dean Harrison. How tight is it through here?
0:42:03 > 0:42:05The road opens up along the Flying Kilo.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Hickman is getting mugged, though. Hickman's going backwards!
0:42:08 > 0:42:10He was in first, and he's going to fourth
0:42:10 > 0:42:14as they go out of the Flying Kilo. Dan Kneen leads!
0:42:14 > 0:42:16That was a start for Peter Hickman
0:42:16 > 0:42:18but he didn't make the getaway that he did
0:42:18 > 0:42:21in the superstock earlier on.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24He is now being passed by ones and twos.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28That was Bruce Anstey whistling past on a Honda.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31It's all about being in the lead group at Leathemstown,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33because you can lose two or three places,
0:42:33 > 0:42:35and you will do in the slipstream,
0:42:35 > 0:42:37but you've got to be in this main group
0:42:37 > 0:42:40going to the top of Deer's Leap to have a chance of winning this race.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42They're overtaking each other.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45You'll be seeing this quite often over this opening lap.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Steve Mercer getting mugged as well.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50They will turn right and then go down over Deer's Leap.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Watch the windsock and you see it is fairly brisk over there.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Picks the bike up and moves it across the road
0:42:56 > 0:42:58while the front wheel is pulling the air.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02It really is a moment, that corner, and it is totally blind
0:43:02 > 0:43:04on the approach as well.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Down into Cochranstown, then it's up to Quarterlands,
0:43:09 > 0:43:11through to Ireland's. We are on board with William Dunlop.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Out front it's all action, it's all happening.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16Ian Hutchinson from Bruce Anstey. One and two on the road.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Anstey trying to gain on Hutchinson if he can.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22We are back with Derek Sheils a little further down the order.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25He was around eighth or ninth place. But here they come.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28And that's Conor Cummins going past Dan Kneen.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31Blurring through the kerb cam there.
0:43:31 > 0:43:32Poor old Dan Kneen, such a great start,
0:43:32 > 0:43:35but he has been passed by everyone else.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37Anstey is having a look at Hutchinson. Will he get past?
0:43:37 > 0:43:40- Yes, he will.- Wow. Bruce Anstey passed Ian Hutchinson.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42These two are having a great day so far.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46Dean Harrison loses a position to Conor Cummins. Is that...
0:43:46 > 0:43:49Yes, Conor Cummins definitely on the move, isn't he?
0:43:49 > 0:43:51But it's Anstey on the Honda.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55Clive Padgett's got that thing absolutely immaculately prepped
0:43:55 > 0:43:59as usual. Now see if he can make the break.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02Harrison wants that place back.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04Conor Cummins at Jordan's, but manages to keep on the power
0:44:04 > 0:44:07and keep Harrison at bay.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09What a start to this race already.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11And Steve's making a break for it.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13Michael Dunlop has got Hickman going past him
0:44:13 > 0:44:16at the top of the circuit! Hickman back into third.
0:44:16 > 0:44:21So it is Bruce Anstey, from that man Hutchinson behind him.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26Then it's Conor Cummins, then it's this man, Dean Harrison.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28- No.- It's not.- It is Dan Kneen!
0:44:28 > 0:44:30Dan Kneen was shaping up for the move
0:44:30 > 0:44:32and Dan Kneen, having been passed four or five times,
0:44:32 > 0:44:35wants to start passing. We're looking back at Dean Harrison.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37Into the Lindsay Hairpin.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Different lines from different riders.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42A little bit of place-swapping going on.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44Dan Kneen having a go at Conor Cummins.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46We're on board with Steve Mercer.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49Conor Cummins giving it a bit on the big Honda
0:44:49 > 0:44:51as he went round the hairpin.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53But we're back with Anstey and Hutchinson,
0:44:53 > 0:44:55these two battling away.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58Hickman as well is going to come into the picture, you would imagine.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00So too Michael Dunlop, yet to win a race today.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03He'll be gunning for this one.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07It's unusual to see any big race event in Northern Ireland
0:45:07 > 0:45:10without a Dunlop on the top step of the podium
0:45:10 > 0:45:13at some point in the day and, of course, the feature race
0:45:13 > 0:45:15is the one everybody wants to win.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21Replay of the start. We're on board with Derek Sheils.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- Dan Kneen's the man to watch. - Michael Dunlop very slow.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26Yes, but that doesn't concern him.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29If anyone can get away with a slow start, it is Michael Dunlop.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31Peter Hickman was on to a flyer
0:45:31 > 0:45:33but pushed back to fourth.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35This is with William Dunlop now.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38Watch Dan Kneen, to the right of the picture.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40Oh, so close to the hedge as well!
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Watch everybody on both sides, really!
0:45:43 > 0:45:45Take your pick!
0:45:45 > 0:45:47It is a narrow section of the course.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50It's really quite extraordinary how using both sides of the road,
0:45:50 > 0:45:53there still isn't very much room.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56Especially at the speeds they are reaching at the start of the race.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58Anyway, back to the action.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01It's still Bruce Anstey from Ian Hutchinson.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03They are stretching it.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07That gap looked to be bigger from Hutchy back to third place
0:46:07 > 0:46:10with Hutchy still very much in touch with Bruce Anstey,
0:46:10 > 0:46:13so that race is still very much on.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16Let's hope that Conor Cummins, Dan Kneen and Dean Harrison
0:46:16 > 0:46:18can stay with the front four.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21They are taking it to the absolute edge, aren't they?
0:46:21 > 0:46:25Over the Cross they go, up the hill towards Wheeler's.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27It's still Anstey from Hutchy.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Derek Sheils back in ninth place.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33He's got Gary Johnson just ahead of him.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36Steve Mercer behind. William Dunlop is behind him as well.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38So down to Tornagrough.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- A little look behind from Bruce Anstey.- Unbelievable!
0:46:41 > 0:46:45He might be pleased to see he hasn't got six or seven riders
0:46:45 > 0:46:50- right on his back wheel. - He has got four!
0:46:50 > 0:46:51They have closed that gap.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54He has the big ones - Hutchinson and Hickman.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56Is he holding up Hutchy and letting the others come to him?
0:46:56 > 0:47:00I don't think so. Watch the way Anstey takes the corners.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02It is not someone who is hitting the anchors,
0:47:02 > 0:47:03squaring off the turns.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05He's keeping the speed up as much as he can
0:47:05 > 0:47:07and getting on the pass.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09Lovely, super smooth, all four of them.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Four fantastic riders in the top four positions,
0:47:12 > 0:47:16and Conor Cummins and Dan Kneen having a great Ulster Grand Prix.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19Dean Harrison's having a great year as well so far.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21Even if you take the top four out,
0:47:21 > 0:47:23this would be a great battle for the lead of the race,
0:47:23 > 0:47:25and it is only for fifth place!
0:47:25 > 0:47:27Here we go, then.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30They are back together as a foursome.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32It was just Bruce Anstey and Ian Hutchinson,
0:47:32 > 0:47:35but now there's four riders in it.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38This race is just starting to warm up, isn't it?
0:47:38 > 0:47:41Really is. Hutchinson is looking really quick.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44He's looking to try and get on the back of Anstey, if he can.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Dan Kneen goes through. Oh, Hutchinson - 133.4.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Half a second outside the lap record for Hutchinson
0:47:51 > 0:47:53but one-tenth of a second back to Anstey.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56So, Hutchinson trying to get past Bruce Anstey,
0:47:56 > 0:47:57trying to use the slipstream.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59Trying to get out of Dawson's
0:47:59 > 0:48:01right on the back wheel of Anstey, if he can,
0:48:01 > 0:48:03but he just can't do it.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06Sheils loses a position to William Dunlop by the looks of things.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08No, sorry, Steve Mercer, that was.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11That may be Dunlop going through there as well.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13Derek Sheils is losing a couple of places
0:48:13 > 0:48:15but it's all eyes at Leathemstown -
0:48:15 > 0:48:17Anstey, Hutchinson, Hickman and Dunlop.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21And here comes a little bit of a spurt from Hutchy there.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23I think he got a good drive out of the corner
0:48:23 > 0:48:25and so too did Dean Harrison.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27He did. A little moment for Hickman as well.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30Here goes Hutchinson. He's on the right side to make the move
0:48:30 > 0:48:32and he's through.
0:48:32 > 0:48:33So, Hutchy made his move
0:48:33 > 0:48:37going up the hill towards Deer's Leap.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40If you get this all the way going over the top,
0:48:40 > 0:48:42it is breathtaking, that corner.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44Still not quite the same as Tornagrough,
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- which is the real man's...- Michael Dunlop in third. Sorry, Richard.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49Dunlop has gone through into third place
0:48:49 > 0:48:51while we weren't looking.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53So, he has gone past Peter Hickman.
0:48:53 > 0:48:54It's now Hutchinson from
0:48:54 > 0:48:57Anstey from Michael Dunlop from Peter Hickman.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00Maybe not, because look at this battle for second place.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02Anstey under pressure from Michael Dunlop.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04That is pressure, isn't it?
0:49:04 > 0:49:07Anstey seems to be feeling the pace now
0:49:07 > 0:49:11after leading the race for so long. It's Hutchy out in front,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13Anstey second and Hickman...
0:49:13 > 0:49:16Trying really hard. Really, really hard.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20They're all trying really, really hard. Remarkable!
0:49:20 > 0:49:24Hutchinson, but he can't break Anstey. Anstey staying with him.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28This race, Jack, definitely brings out the best in everybody
0:49:28 > 0:49:31who comes here. It just invites you to go racing.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34They're all loving the way it swoops through the corners.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38A lot of them are totally blind on the approach, as well.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41It's a breathtaking place to ride a motorbike.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45- Ohh! Dan Kneen had to hold off there from Dean Harrison.- Yes.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48- That was close. - That was very close.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50That's what happens when you take up the invitation
0:49:50 > 0:49:53to go racing at the Dundrod Circuit.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57Michael Dunlop is sniffing hard around Bruce Anstey.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01He has to back off slightly, his wheel is there.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05Hutchy has his head down now, looking very assured at the front
0:50:05 > 0:50:09of this race. I think he is controlling it quite nicely
0:50:09 > 0:50:13at the moment and letting the others battle over second place.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17- It's not much of a gap, is it? - Not really. We've got Peter Hickman,
0:50:17 > 0:50:20who races most weeks in the British Superbike Championship,
0:50:20 > 0:50:24Hutchinson, who races most weeks in the British Superstock Championship,
0:50:24 > 0:50:25Michael Dunlop, who's on the roads
0:50:25 > 0:50:28and has done some British championship this year,
0:50:28 > 0:50:31and Bruce Anstey, who gets out of bed and hops on a Superbike,
0:50:31 > 0:50:32and he's in second place!
0:50:32 > 0:50:34Showed up this morning and decided to go racing!
0:50:34 > 0:50:38And he's considerably older than the three guys he's racing against,
0:50:38 > 0:50:41and throws out any kind of mince or whatever
0:50:41 > 0:50:44about being on a race bike continuing all the time.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47Yes. He's not exactly got all the seat time the other guys have got
0:50:47 > 0:50:49but as we have always said about Bruce,
0:50:49 > 0:50:54if he decides he wants to go racing, pretty much no-one can stop him.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56And he's having another think about Hutchy now.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59He's got Michael Dunlop breathing down his neck.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01He's decided that he needs to get away from that, I think.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04Hickman watching this as they go over the line.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08Oh! Oh! It's a fast one. Hickman a shade outside the lap record.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10133.89!
0:51:10 > 0:51:13Oh! Well, it looks fast and that is because it is fast.
0:51:13 > 0:51:18Anstey, Michael Dunlop and Hickman on the outside.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21It's a bit calmer further back down the field,
0:51:21 > 0:51:25but don't forget, everybody here is still giving it everything.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29And they're all reaching up into the high 80s in top speed
0:51:29 > 0:51:33going through the speed trap. This is not a slow race.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35Get the drive out of the corner,
0:51:35 > 0:51:37away up the hill towards Deer's Leap.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40Hutchy looking very strong now
0:51:40 > 0:51:43and that is Anstey under pressure behind him.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46- Where is Michael Dunlop? - Here comes Bruce Anstey!
0:51:46 > 0:51:48I don't think he will get through, will he?
0:51:48 > 0:51:52He will! He has done to Hutchinson what Hutchinson did to him before,
0:51:52 > 0:51:55at exactly the same spot. Anstey into the lead.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58We're thinking, is Michael Dunlop catching Bruce Anstey?
0:51:58 > 0:52:01But, no, because he has cleared off back off in front
0:52:01 > 0:52:02and away down the hill.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04Here comes Dunlop, looking at Ian Hutchinson now.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07Looking very closely at Ian Hutchinson.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10But just having to back off through Cochranstown.
0:52:10 > 0:52:14It's a fast corner, this, and then the flick left into Ireland's.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16The next one along is equally exciting.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20There is nowhere on the circuit you'd be bored watching, really.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23Exactly. And that's why thousands upon thousands are here watching
0:52:23 > 0:52:27the Ulster Grand Prix. Now, then, we have lost Peter Hickman.
0:52:27 > 0:52:29We have lost Peter Hickman.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32He was very close and he is not very close now.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Back on board with Dean Harrison.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36We might just see through with Dean Harrison
0:52:36 > 0:52:38if we'll pick up Peter...
0:52:38 > 0:52:40No, that's through Ireland's.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42We've not seen where we've lost Peter Hickman.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46What a shame. He went through the speed trap - 199.8mph.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49So, what a shame. It was a four-way fight,
0:52:49 > 0:52:51now it's a three-way fight,
0:52:51 > 0:52:53and it's Anstey ahead of Hutchinson now, as well.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55So, Michael Dunlop in third.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57What's he going to do? Wait a bit?
0:52:57 > 0:53:00Michael Dunlop doesn't do much waiting
0:53:00 > 0:53:02so he'll be trying his hardest...
0:53:02 > 0:53:04Oh, look at Hutchinson!
0:53:04 > 0:53:07Plenty of movement on that bike, he's in control of it, though,
0:53:07 > 0:53:08we're back with Steve Mercer.
0:53:08 > 0:53:12But Ian Hutchinson wants first place back from Bruce Anstey.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16And he's got it. Hutchinson is through on Anstey.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19Michael Dunlop back in third. We're back with Dean Harrison.
0:53:19 > 0:53:23- That's Conor Cummins... - Just in front.- Yeah.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26And he still is, but it is Hutchy from Anstey,
0:53:26 > 0:53:27and then Michael Dunlop looking for
0:53:27 > 0:53:29a way round the outside of the Honda.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32That's a brave place to try that one
0:53:32 > 0:53:34and that's a brave place to do it.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37Backmarkers. Backmarkers! Right at the Lindsay Hairpin.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40Hutchinson, Anstey...
0:53:41 > 0:53:44This should work out OK for these three riders.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48Michael Dunlop really getting out of the corner very, very well.
0:53:48 > 0:53:53That's one thing that BMW does, is dig itself out of the corners hard.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59Not a lot of overtaking opportunities down here
0:53:59 > 0:54:01but there's a lot of traffic going on.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04Will this confuse the issue?
0:54:04 > 0:54:06Michael Dunlop and Anstey have been held up,
0:54:06 > 0:54:10and Hutchinson, it's going to work in Hutchinson's favour.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13Ian Hutchinson. Yeah, it's Ian Hutchinson now,
0:54:13 > 0:54:15Michael Dunlop trying to get through on Bruce Anstey.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18He won't pass through Dawson's.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21That has pretty much settled the order
0:54:21 > 0:54:24as they go over the line for the final time.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30So, half a second between Hutchinson and Anstey.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32It was 500ths of a second between Anstey and Hutchinson
0:54:32 > 0:54:34at the end of the previous lap.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37This is through Dawson's with Steve Mercer.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42Now all the backmarkers will know what is happening
0:54:42 > 0:54:44and they will be aware of it
0:54:44 > 0:54:47and the best thing they can do is just do what they normally do
0:54:47 > 0:54:49and hold their line
0:54:49 > 0:54:51and let the others find their way past.
0:54:53 > 0:54:57You can be too helpful on some occasions.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00It will be interesting to see what is going to happen now
0:55:00 > 0:55:02on this run up the hill.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05It's separated them out quite a lot, hasn't it?
0:55:05 > 0:55:08- It has. It just depends now... - Oh, I spoke too soon.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11It's not going to be a race that's decided by backmarkers,
0:55:11 > 0:55:15as we saw earlier on in some of the races today.
0:55:15 > 0:55:17People reacting to backmarkers.
0:55:17 > 0:55:19But Hutchinson, it seems to have worked for him.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21Bruce Anstey in second, Michael Dunlop in third.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23No-one has changed place, at least.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26They are a little bit closer than they were
0:55:26 > 0:55:30when they cleared the start-finish area, if you like,
0:55:30 > 0:55:32and back out on their own,
0:55:32 > 0:55:35but it has definitely taken the temperature
0:55:35 > 0:55:38down to something below boiling point.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41So, it looks like Ian Hutchinson has got the measure of this race,
0:55:41 > 0:55:44we're waiting for him to come into view. Here he is.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47Hutchinson from Anstey, Michael Dunlop just too far off,
0:55:47 > 0:55:50you would say. Well, for any other rider, you would say too far off,
0:55:50 > 0:55:52but we are talking Michael Dunlop,
0:55:52 > 0:55:56and if anyone can make that distance, it is Michael Dunlop.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59We are riding now with his brother William.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02Still without a Dunlop win at this meeting
0:56:02 > 0:56:05and that's always an unusual thing.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09So, Michael Dunlop looks to me to be too far back now
0:56:09 > 0:56:12and there is traffic as well. That might hinder the other two
0:56:12 > 0:56:15and give him an opportunity.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18Possibly. It all depends on what part of the track
0:56:18 > 0:56:20they come across the slower traffic.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22But Hutchinson...
0:56:22 > 0:56:24There's no blue flags, as well,
0:56:24 > 0:56:26so the slower guys don't know.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28The short circuits, they would have a blue flag waved...
0:56:28 > 0:56:30BOTH GASP
0:56:30 > 0:56:33- A moving chicane for Bruce Anstey! - Taking no prisoners.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35Absolutely on it!
0:56:35 > 0:56:38It was like a moving chicane, wasn't it?
0:56:38 > 0:56:41He went left and had to go right to go through and he's still there.
0:56:41 > 0:56:45Michael Dunlop has finished on this one, third place for him.
0:56:45 > 0:56:49Now, it's just whether Bruce Anstey can bring in Ian Hutchinson.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51We will have to wait and see.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53Oh, he's gaining as they go into the hairpin.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55He's trying to keep the speed up by going wide
0:56:55 > 0:56:58and will try to tuck it in tight and get back on the power.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00Ohh! Hutchinson gets good drive out
0:57:00 > 0:57:03so Hutchinson, as we go back to Dean Harrison,
0:57:03 > 0:57:06trying to chase down Conor Cummins,
0:57:06 > 0:57:07which he won't do now, at this point.
0:57:07 > 0:57:11But will Bruce Anstey be able to get Ian Hutchinson?
0:57:11 > 0:57:14I'd have to say this is Hutchinson territory as well,
0:57:14 > 0:57:15and it is Hutchinson territory!
0:57:15 > 0:57:17Look at the way he is riding that bike.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19Seven laps completed,
0:57:19 > 0:57:22Ian Hutchinson's name will be on the top of the leaderboard
0:57:22 > 0:57:24as his backside comes out of the seat!
0:57:24 > 0:57:26What a race! What a result!
0:57:26 > 0:57:30Another win for Ian Hutchinson, Bruce Anstey takes second place
0:57:30 > 0:57:31with Michael Dunlop third,
0:57:31 > 0:57:33we're back with Steve Mercer
0:57:33 > 0:57:35but, wow, what an Ulster Grand Prix that was.
0:57:35 > 0:57:38I'll tell you what, if this was Rio,
0:57:38 > 0:57:40all of these guys would be gold medallists.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42That was an astonishing race.
0:57:42 > 0:57:44Ian Hutchinson wasn't taking any chances
0:57:44 > 0:57:46of being caught by Bruce Anstey
0:57:46 > 0:57:48on that run to the line, was he?
0:57:48 > 0:57:52Ian, this day just keeps getting better.
0:57:52 > 0:57:55Yeah. That's the one you want, a Superbike.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58It's eluded me at the North-West and the TT,
0:57:58 > 0:58:01so, great to finish the year with a Superbike win
0:58:01 > 0:58:04and it's probably one of the hardest races I've had round here,
0:58:04 > 0:58:07racing a MotoGP bike, but it was quite thrilling watching it.
0:58:07 > 0:58:11It sounds awesome and it handles totally different to our bikes
0:58:11 > 0:58:15and he has got the back wheel up in the air on the brakes. Yeah...
0:58:15 > 0:58:17Phillip McCallum, Dundrod has delivered again.
0:58:17 > 0:58:21A superb day's action. Bruce Anstey is really on form.
0:58:21 > 0:58:22Hutchy - two wins.
0:58:22 > 0:58:25Michael Dunlop - things haven't gone his way yet.
0:58:25 > 0:58:28- Incredible racing out there. - Yeah, it's so exciting.
0:58:28 > 0:58:32The hedges, the crowds, it's so, so fast.
0:58:32 > 0:58:34OK. That's about it for now.
0:58:34 > 0:58:37We are back tomorrow with a packed programme
0:58:37 > 0:58:41but from everyone here at the Ulster Grand Prix, for now, it's bye-bye.