Race preview for the 2016 Ulster Grand Prix
The 2016 MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix takes place this weekend on the 7.3-mile Dundrod Circuit in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The racetrack is composed entirely of public roads, and many of the big names in the show are also the stars you’d see competing in the Isle of Man TT.
One of the biggest differences between the two events is that, unlike the time-trial format used at the Isle of Man, the Ulster GP sees all the riders battling each other on track in a traditional race format, with the bikes starting as a pack from a standing start, much like in F1 or MotoGP.
The Ulster GP advertises itself as “the world’s fastest road race,” with Bruce Anstey’s lap record of 133.977 mph having stood since 2010. By comparison, Michael Dunlop’s record-breaking lap of 16:53.929 at the 2016 Isle of Man TT clocked in at 133.962 mph.
Two of the names worth keeping an eye on this year are Michael Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson who, between them, won five races at this year’s Isle of Man TT - with Dunlop winning the prestigious Senior TT.
However, it was Lee Johnston stealing the headlines here last year, winning three of the day’s races.
The riders begin practice on Wednesday. Racing action starts on Thursday with five Dundrod 150 events:
-- Dundrod 150 National
-- Ultraweight/Lightweight
-- Dundrod 150 Challenge
-- Dundrod 150 Superbike
-- Supetwins
Saturday is Ulster GP race day, with seven races in total taking place:
-- Superstock
-- Supersport Race 1
-- National Ultralightweight/Lightweight
-- Superbike Race 1
-- Supersport Race 2
-- Supertwins
-- Superbike Race 2