Dunlop cut a frustrated figure after the Superbike race after issues with his Honda but the Supersport race – a class he has dominated in recent years – was a different story.
Having become the first rider to win on a Ducati in 30 years as he completed a Supersport double in 2025, Dunlop picked up where he left off in the class and was the fastest rider in practice week.
But he was pushed hard on the first lap by Harrison, and Dunlop led by only a tenth of a second at the end of the first circuit of 37.73 miles of closed public roads.
As he so often does, the Northern Ireland rider pulled clear with a blistering second lap to move 12 seconds clear of the Honda rider, and he never looked back.
Harrison was second as Hickman, who like Dunlop produced a strong second lap, beat Jordan and Herbertson to third place.
“It is difficult going up against Michael on the Ducati,” said Harrison.
“I held my own on lap one but that was all I had for today. The Honda didn’t miss a beat all race, and roll on later in the week.”
