After that race, Dunlop mentioned he would maintain his “head down and maintain going”.

He did simply that. Whereas it was a last-lap sprint for his first win, the next race was a way more managed efficiency.

He was aided by Alastair Seeley not being on the grid with a mechanical difficulty, and contender Peter Hickman skipping a chicane on the opening lap.

Todd seemed to have pulled away out entrance, however Dunlop reeled him in and a difficulty at College nook noticed the 8TEN rider miss his braking on the penultimate lap.

Though Dean Harrison piled on the strain, he had no reply and Dunlop got here residence in first place with a few seconds in hand.

“I’ve proved tonight I am nonetheless quick. It is nice, I knew it was going to be exhausting and I knew that race was going to be sizzling and heavy,” Dunlop added.

“The boys have labored exhausting to get all the pieces prepared, I admire it. I have not received in a very long time and it was a kick within the face, so to win once more is one other weight off my shoulders.

“I’ve not come right here totally match for a very long time, however we have overcome it and received two races tonight.”

Twenty-five years after his passing, this 12 months’s North West 200 has been certainly one of celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary Joey Dunlop, who Michael surpassed to assert the Isle of Man TT report final 12 months.

However on Thursday evening it was time for Michael, Joey’s nephew, to indulge in his success because the solar set on the north coast of Northern Eire.

With six extra races to come back on Saturday, he won’t be completed but.