Michael Dunlop set a new lap and race record in the 2018 Lightweight TT while the upstart Paton dominated the leader board, taking five of the top six spots. The lone non-Paton rider among the leaders was Derek McGee who finished second on a Kawasaki, which typically forms up much of the grid. Of course, the Paton’s engine is based on the Ninja 650’s powerplant, so none of this is entirely surprising.
Dunlop took the lead on the second lap after Ivan Lintin withdrew. His average speed of 122.750 mph, breaking James Hillier‘s record of 120.848 mph set in 2015. His overall race average speed of 120.601 mph also set a new record, surpassing Lintin’s 118.454 speed from 2016.
Joining Dunlop and McGee on the podium was last year’s winner Michael Rutter.
Michael Dunlop wins Bennetts Lightweight TT Race. Photo by Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Intl.
2018 Isle of Man TT: Lightweight TT Top Six Results

Pos.
Rider
Machine/Team
Time
Speed

1
Michael Dunlop
Paton/MD Racing
1:15:05.032
120.601 mph

2
Derek McGee
Kawasaki/IEG/KMR
1:15:19.633
120.212 mph

3
Michael Rutter
Paton/Paton SC-Project Reparto Corse
1:16:30.242
118.362 mph

4
Stefano Bonetti
Paton/Paton SC-Project Reparto Corse
1:16:40.194
118.106 mph

5
Joey Thompson
Paton/Team ILR/Coverdale
1:18:13.175
115.766 mph

6
Ian Lougher
Paton/Team ILR/Coverdale
1:18:26.857
115.430 mph

Record breaking win in Bennetts Lightweight TT puts Michael Dunlop third on all-time winners list
Michael Du...