William Dunlop clinches 1st win on his Tyco Suzuki at Tandragee
William Dunlop clinched his maiden success for Tyco Suzuki in the Supersport race, before the tragic death of Irish rider Noel Murphy marred the Around A Pound Tandragee 100 road races.
Mr Murphy, who was in his late 20s, was involved in an accident in the Junior Support race on the fifth and final lap.
The incident happened when the Lusk man crashed on the Cooley Hill Road.
The organisers considered cancelling the meeting but decided to continue with the schedule following a lengthy delay after Mr Murphy’s father insisted the event should go ahead.
Before the tragic accident, Dunlop came through from third place to pass Derek McGee and Keith Amor to take the victory, with the top six completed by Cheshire rider Connor Behan, Jamie Hamilton on the Wilson Craig Honda and Seamus Elliott.
A thrilling supersport race at Tandragee 100 was predicted by many and the race did not disappoint. Keith Amor lead William Dunlop after the first two laps with Derek Mcgee in close proximity in third place. On lap three Amor competing on Site Sealants B&W racing CBR 600 Honda was proving that despite having not competed at a road race since 2011 that the ability, speed and determination was still there.
William Dunlop having qualified on pole position began to show the same form that saw the Tyco Suzuki by TAS rider go fastest in qualifying by hitting the front on lap four although Keith Amor was close behind whilst Derek Mcgee was still in striking distance for race victory.
On the final lap of the race the battle between Dunlop and Amor had fans at the Tandragee 100 excited at what was set to be a grandstand finish. At the line William Dunlop recorded race victory and his first road race win for Tyco Suzuki by TAS. Keith Amor finished in second place only 0.14 of a second behind William, Derek Mcgee continued his impressive start to 2014 road racing season by finishing in third place.
2020 Architects would like to extend their sympathy to Noel Murphy’s partner and family.
