TT 2026: Dunlop Breaks Supersport Record Three Times in One Day

• Michael Dunlop lapped at 129.557 mph (17:28.401) on the Ducati Panigale V2, setting a new Supersport qualifying record.
• Jamie Coward was the fastest rider in Sportbike qualifying at 119.832 mph on the Milenco by Padgett’s Paton.
• Michael Evans crashed at Greeba Castle, the Crowe brothers fell in the Sidecar session at Crosby.

The third qualifying session of TT 2026 got underway on Wednesday evening at 7:20 PM with the combined Supersport and Sportbike session. Conditions on the Snaefell Mountain Course remained good despite a freshening easterly wind, with warmth still lingering in the air and on the tarmac. However, the low evening sun became a challenge for riders, dazzling them through the trees particularly on the westward-facing sections of the course.

How Fast Was Michael Dunlop in Supersport Qualifying?

Michael Dunlop rode his MD Racing Ducati Panigale V2 to 128.764 mph (17:34.863) from a standing start on his first lap of the evening session, improving on his own afternoon record of 128.315 mph. On his second, flying lap, he raised the bar again to 129.557 mph (17:28.401), despite the freshening wind around the Mountain Course.

The official Supersport class lap record stands at 17:21.605, set by Dunlop himself in 2023 on a Yamaha R6 during the race. Qualifying times are not included in the official record books, but the 33-time TT winner lowered the qualifying benchmark three times on Wednesday: first in the afternoon with 128.315 mph, then in the evening with 128.764 mph, and finally with 129.557 mph.

Behind Dunlop, Dean Harrison (Honda Racing UK) and Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing powered by Prosper2, Ducati Panigale V2) slotted in as the second and third fastest riders of the evening session, both with lap speeds beyond the 125 mph mark. Josh Brookes posted the fourth fastest time of the session at 125.372 mph on the Uggly & Co. Racing Suzuki GSX-R750, followed by Mike Browne on the BPE by Russell Racing Yamaha R6 at 124.13 mph.

In the overall standings across all qualifying sessions so far, Dunlop leads with 129.557 mph ahead of Peter Hickman (Trooper Triumph by PHR Performance, 127.245 mph from the afternoon session) and Dean Harrison (Honda CBR600RR, 127.242 mph). After the afternoon, just two tenths of a second separated Hickman and Harrison.

What Makes the 2026 Supersport Class So Special?

The Supersport class at TT 2026 is showing an unusual level of diversity at the front. Four different manufacturers occupy the top four positions in the overall standings: Dunlop on the Ducati Panigale V2, Hickman on the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS, Harrison on the Honda CBR600RR, and Brookes on the Suzuki GSX-R750. This breadth of machinery in the top four is far from a given in the Supersport class on the Mountain Course and should make for a wide-open race on Saturday.

Further back in the field, Paul Jordan and Dominic Herbertson (KTS Macadam Triumph Factory Racing) complete the top six, followed by Ian Hutchinson, Jamie Coward, Michael Evans, and Nathan Harrison in positions seven to ten.

Who Leads the Sportbike Standings After Qualifying 3?

In the Sportbike qualifying of the evening session, Jamie Coward on the Milenco by Padgett’s Paton was the fastest rider. Coward stopped the clock at 18:53.488 (119.832 mph), confirming his strong form after a one-year break from the TT. Czech rider Michal Dokoupil took second place in the evening session on the Indi Racing Aprilia at 117.713 mph.

In the overall Sportbike class standings, Michael Dunlop still leads. The Northern Irishman had set an unofficial class record of 123.557 mph on the MD Racing Paton S1-R-650 during the afternoon. The Sportbike class replaces the former Supertwin category, and Dunlop’s qualifying speed surpassed his own official race record of 123.056 mph from the previous year. Mike Browne (Melbray/Laycock Racing Paton, 121.030 mph) and Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing Aprilia RS 660, 120.475 mph) complete the overall podium positions.

What Did Dean Harrison Say About His Qualifying Pace?

Dean Harrison, who went into the evening session as the fastest man of qualifying week so far, appeared relaxed after the session. The Honda Racing UK rider had set the Superbike best time once again in the earlier Superbike/Superstock session at 133.712 mph and explained that he felt comfortable on the bike and preferred to let the pace come to him rather than force it.

Harrison said he was pushing too hard in some sections of the course and needed to take a step back to then take two forward. On one lap, he felt slow but still posted a fast time from a standing start. Harrison also encountered traffic on the course, including David Johnson at Crosby. He therefore did not follow through with a planned full effort on the Supersport bike. Changes to the machine had produced positive results, Harrison explained, and there was still room for improvement on Friday.

How Did Things Go for the Teams in the Paddock?

Behind the scenes, teams were working intensively on their machine setups. Leon Jones, team manager at Swan Racing, described a busy programme: the team is running three different types of motorcycle this qualifying week with the 765 Triumph, the 660 Triumph, and the Yamaha R9. Peter Hickman was happy with his Supersport bike and had come close to his personal best at the Mountain Course by the second day. However, with the 660 Triumph, the team was struggling with top speed and was analysing the fuel system and engine management to track down the issue.

There was a scare at George Halliday’s camp. The rider had a critical moment at Ago’s Leap on the Sportbike. His mechanic Chris Judge reported that Halliday simply showed a video of the incident and laughed about it. Halliday completed two laps on the Sportbike and one on the Supersport machine. His team deliberately switched from the 1000cc machines to the smaller classes this year, making the TT entry more manageable. When asked about the goals for the week, Judge replied: “Just come away smiling. That’s what he wants to do.”

Smith Racing also experienced technical difficulties with the Triumph. A problem in the tank area caused the fuel pump to malfunction, risking engine overheating. The team managed to fix the issue and get the rider out for one more lap.

Which Incidents Overshadowed Wednesday Evening?

The evening was marked by two incidents. Michael Evans from the Dafabet Racing Team crashed early in the session at Greeba Castle. He was airlifted to Noble’s Hospital, where no fractures, no soft tissue injuries, and no head or spinal injuries were found. His team confirmed that Evans was expected to be discharged the same evening.

The more serious incident occurred in the subsequent Sidecar session. Defending champions Ryan and Callum Crowe fell shortly after Crosby Leap, prompting the red flag and an immediate halt to the session. Both brothers from Jurby were taken to Noble’s Hospital by ambulance. According to a statement from the Crowe team, both are being treated for fractures and head injuries and were sedated at the time of the announcement to allow further examinations. However, there was said to be no immediate danger to life.

What Happens Next at TT 2026?

Thursday remains a rest day as planned. Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson confirmed that the Mountain Course will not be closed on Thursday. Qualifying resumes on Friday morning, with road closures from 10:00 AM. The first races of TT 2026 are scheduled for Saturday, starting with the Sportbike TT, followed by the Sidecar race and the Superbike TT.

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