Big disappointment forMichael Dunlop and his fans after he was excluded from the re-run CP Hire Superstock race after failing to take part in a sighting lap. Rules state that all riders must complete the practice lap before competing in the race.
Dunlop - who was seen nursing his right hand in a bag of ice following a crash at the recent Cookstown 100 - only discovered his fate moments before the restart, and when his bike was being wheeled off the grid.
Naturally he wasn't happy and I thought he was going to smack the official at the front of the grid. He knows the rules, so there's not much he could have done about the removal.
Michael finished third in the Anchor Bar Superbike and Tides Restaurant Supersport races. His Superbike podium came despite picking up a 10-second penalty for failing to stop and place his foot in the stop box after missing Mather's chicane.
The Northwest 200 2024 is all over. Let's hope MD has the success he deserves at the TT in 2 weeks time.