Ian Hutchinson (PBM Kawasaki) leads the field at the start of the Superbike race at the Ulster Grand Prix.
Pacemaker Stephen Davidson

The Ulster Grand Prix has announced a new Superpole session for 2016, in a move organisers say will make the battle for pole position on the starting grid more exciting for competitors and fans alike.

The fastest 12 riders in the Superbike practice session on Thursday, August 11 will return to the grid later that day for a special timed event and jostle for their final qualifying positions on Saturday, August 13, in what is hoped to be a thrilling spectacle.

Riders that fail to qualify for Superpole will start the race from 13th position onwards based on their qualifying practice results.

Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the Ulster Grand Prix said: 

“I’ve wanted to introduce a Superpole session at the Ulster for a while and now that we’ve reshuffled our practice timings we are able to accommodate it.

“The session will consist of one individual warm up lap immediately followed by two individual laps for each of the top 12 Superbike riders, allowing them an opportunity to secure their eventual grid position on a fair basis. It’s an added bonus for the spectators too, as each rider will attempt their fastest lap on a clear track, without obstacles or direct competition.

“It’s a format that was used in World Superbikes for many years and something BSB have also introduced for 2016, and it’s always proven extremely popular.

“It’s a bit of a shake up for us but I believe it will be extremely well received for the roads, and we’re looking forward to what will surely be an electric qualifier. The thought of watching Michael Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson, hopefully Guy Martin and some of the other big names out on track, on their own, pushing the bikes on a flying lap is a spectacle not to be missed.”

Entry wristbands and seats in the Joey Dunlop grandstand are available now from Ticketmaster. They can also be purchased from road ends on race days.

For more information visit http://www.ulstergrandprix.net or you can also follow @UlsterGrandPrix on Twitter and Facebook.

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