Michael Dunlop is set to go through the pain barrier as he contemplates equalling Phillip McCallen's 16-year old record of five wins in one day at the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod.

Dunlop has recently been suffering from two slipped discs in his back.

"I feel a bit stiff, but with a bit of rest I'll be alright," said Dunlop.

"The Superstock and Superbike are good, I'm just struggling a wee bit for speed on the Supersport. I feel ok when I'm on the bike, I'm here to win races."

"If the five wins come to me, that's great, if they don't I'll be happy to get some victories on the board.

"It's just when I'm getting on and off the bike that it is sore, but I'm happy, I'll just have to ride harder on Saturday."

Dunlop came into the meeting as favourite after securing five wins at the Southern 100, two at Walderstown and a hat-trick at Armoy.



One of his main challengers will be his brother William, especially in the Supersport classes.

"The 600 is going well and it was really nice to secure pole position," said the elder of the Dunlop brothers.

"I have the bikes to win races - I just need a bit of luck on the day.

"This is a proper natural road race with no chicanes, it's just wide and flowing.

"My ribs are still giving me a bit of bother after my crash at Skerries a few weeks ago, but the adrenaline keeps me going when I am on the bike.

"It's when I get off the bike that I get sore."

Tyco TAS Suzuki rider Guy Martin was happy with his progress after taking pole position for the Superbike events.

"I learnt a bit during practice, we were chopping and changing things on the bike and they mostly worked," confirmed the Lincolnshire rider.

"I've had a fairly dire season and haven't won many races, but I've enjoyed it nonetheless.

"This is a cracking event and a mega circuit - the only pressure I feel is that which I put on myself."

Also in contention for race wins should be Padgett's Honda pair Gary Johnson and Bruce Anstey and Martin's Suzuki team-mate, Manxman Conor Cummins.

Ryan Farquhar will seek to add to his tally of Supertwins successes.



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