TT 2026: Dunlop breaks Supersport qualifying record again

He shatters benchmark in class for second time in evening practice

Michael Dunlop broke the Supersport qualifying lap record for a second time yesterday (27 May) during the second part of a timed practice double-header at the Isle of Man TT Races on Wednesday evening.

Having set a new Supersport qualifying benchmark of 128.764mph earlier in the day, Dunlop on board the MD Racing Ducati shattered that again at 129.557mph to top the standings in the class at the end of the day.

Elsewhere, Dean Harrison once again topped the Superbike standings with Josh Brookes on the DAO Racing Honda taking top spot in the Superstocks.

With Dunlop's efforts focused elsewhere, Jamie Coward led the way on the Milenco by Padgett's Motorcycles Paton in the Sportbike category.

Having been last out during afternoon practice, Superbike and Superstock machines were first on the road during the evening slot, and sitting pretty at the top of the Superbike times for a second time this week was Honda Racing UK rider, Dean Harrison with a flying lap pace of 133.712mph.

Just under 13 seconds further back was Peter Hickman (132.039mph) whilst Harrison's Honda teammate, John McGuinness MBE went third-fastest on a late lap at 129.775mph on a night where just six Superbikes went on to complete timed laps.

Much busier was the Superstock field with Josh Brookes again inside the Superstock qualifying top three this week, leading the way with a benchmark of 131.943mph whilst in behind him was an impressive ride form 16-time TT winner, Ian Hutchinson at 130.691mph as well as another good practice time from local man, Nathan Harrison on the H&H Motorcycles Honda rounding out the Superstock top three on the night at 130.24mph.

Next up was Supersport and Sportbike sessions, with Dunlop's Supersport masterclass the headline attraction - elsewhere in that category and despite being the best part of 30 seconds off Dunlop's pace, Dean Harrison on the Honda CBR600 managed a 125.96mph lap from a standing start to be the Ballymoney man's nearest challenger.

During the afternoon, Dunlop set an unofficial lap record in the Sportbike class but he was an absentee for that during the evening, meaning there was different faces leading the line in the evening.

Taking to the summit of the timings there was Jamie Coward, averaging a pace of 119.832mph whilst second and third-quickest respectively were Michal Dokoupil (117.713mph) and Dominic Herbertson (117.685mph).

Today (28 May) is a rest day from racing activity on the Snaefell Mountain Course.

The action is due to resume tomorrow on Friday, 29 May with all roads around the course currently due to shut that day from 10am, and the Mountain Road closing slightly earlier at 8.45am.