NW200: Lap record consolation for Brookes
Milwaukee Yamaha's Josh Brookes set a new outright lap record on his way to the runner-up spot in the feature Superbike race at the North West 200.
Brookes, making his second appearance at the Northern Ireland road race, lapped at 122.958mph as he attempted to reel in eventual winner Michael Dunlop on the final lap of the race.
The Australia was three seconds behind at the finish and felt he ruined his chances of securing his first international road racing success after a mistake at Mather's Cross chicane on the penultimate lap.
"I was really up for the last race and I think we proved, that both myself and the Milwaukee Yamaha Superbike were good enough for the win," said the 31-year-old, who started from row four in 12th position.
"It was annoying to just out-brake myself into the Mather's chicane, which is so blind on the entry. I probably just approached my braking marker that ten or 15mph faster after getting out of the roundabout much stronger, and with only about two feet of tarmac to make the entry well enough to get back around the left in the chicane, I had to pick the bike up and run over the grass.
"The last lap taking the lap record showed that we had the speed, the bike and the set-up for the win, but that little error cost us a top step," he added.
"But overall we have to be satisfied. I didn't get that much track time last year, so I suppose it was like coming back as a rookie.
"I really enjoyed it and the Milwaukee Yamaha guys did a great job, so thanks to them for the effort. I'm off to the TT now on Wednesday to get prepared for the opening practice sessions and I can't wait to get started."
Brookes also sent his best wishes to Simon Andrews, who was critically injured in a heavy spill in the Superstock race.
"My thoughts are with Simon Andrews who crashed in the Superstock race. Let's hope he makes a full recovery," he said.
The British Superbike star's results including a podium finish in third place in the opening Supersport race on Thursday, fourth place in race two and eighth in the first Superbike race on Saturday.
