TT 2022: Michael Dunlop clinches famous 20th victory in opening Supersport race | New 129mph lap record for Northern Ireland rider | Red flag incident late on last lap

The Northern Ireland rider was locked in battle with Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki) throughout a thrilling three-lap race, but Dunlop produced a blistering final lap on his MD Racing to edge out his English rival by 5.6s after shattering his 2018 lap record with a speed of 129.47mph.

Dunlop is now one of only three riders to reach 20 wins or more at the TT, with his uncle Joey leading the way on 26 victories, while John McGuinness has 23. It was his 68th race start at the TT and his 31st podium result.

Saturday’s Superbike race winner Peter Hickman claimed a rostrum on the PHR/Trooper Beer Triumph, 29.4s behind Harrison, with Lee Johnston in fourth on his Ashcourt Racing Yamaha, 3.5s further behind.

On lap one, Dunlop – third in the Superbike race on Saturday – clocked 126.92mph from a standing start to lead Harrison (126.54mph) by 3.2s as they came in for a compulsory pit-stop, with Hickman 2.1s adrift in third and 2019 winner Johnston fourth.

Harrison cut into Dunlop’s lead on the second lap and was only 0.9s behind at Ballaugh, with Hickman losing ground in third, 9.3s down on Harrison. OMG Yamaha’s James Hillier was into fourth after Johnston lost up to eight seconds during his pit-stop.

There was little to choose between Dunlop and Harrison on the run over the Mountain, with the Ulster rider still in front by 1.1s when they reached the Grandstand.

Harrison had clear road ahead of him after starting at number two, while Dunlop had passed fellow Northern Ireland rider Johnston on the road as he began the final lap.

At Glen Helen, Harrison had reeled in Dunlop and was now only 0.140s adrift, but he was unable to get any closer the race leader opened a slight advantage of 0.3s at Ballaugh, which he extended to 2.6s