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Hot Pace Set In First Classic Tt Qualifying Session. Hot Pace Set In First Classic Tt Qualifying Session.
Adam McLean

Hot pace set in first Classic TT qualifying session.


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Wednesday’s first practice session for the Classic TT had good conditions, dry roads, no harsh sunlight; just a light breeze. There was a good gathering of enthusiasts at Ballaugh Bridge to watch the action. It was good to have a chat with legendary Irish photographer Baylon McCaughey. It is at times like this that you think of the togs that you have met over the years at this location; last night was time to remember the laughs shared with Sarah Mills; a lovely lady who sadly left this mortal coil recently. Thoughts are with Ian; stay strong my friend.

The Superbikes were first on track; along with the top riders from the Lightweight class. Nathan Harrison was first away on the Greenall Kawasaki. He was first to reach Ballaugh, resplendent in predominantly green and black leathers; rather than the red and yellow we are accustomed to. He produced a stylish jump over the bridge to get us into the swing of things. Behind him Mike Browne, on the Key Racing Ducati, had closed down most of the 10s starting interval. Next were Julian Trummer, who withdrew from the TT and Craig Neve, who missed it through injury; both neat and fast. Brian McCormack was next; just ahead of Davey Todd who was able to go at full pace for the first time on the Prosperity Racing Ducati. Davo Johnson was next; he was wearing leathers and a helmet lent to him by Richard “Milky” Quayle. This was because his own equipment had been mislaid between Birmingham airport and the island. Shortly afterwards Michael Dunlop came through on the rotary Norton; stirring memories of his father on one over 30 years ago. It sounded like the engine could not hold sixth on the run through Ballacrye; a ratio adjustment may be required. Moments later, Andrew Farrell had a heavy landing that bottomed the suspension on his Ducati. Immediately after him came Dan Sayle on the Chapman Racing Honda; Dan was really in the groove and produced the best lap in the Lightweight class. A minute later Rob Hodson; fastest man on the night; produced a stylish leap over the famous bridge on the second Key Racing Ducati Superbike.

The second lap saw both Mike Browne and Jamie Coward forced to retire due to machine problems. They both made it back to the start to take part in the second session in which Browne set the second best Lightweight speed on his Laycock Racing / Danfay Yamaha and Coward topped the Junior speeds on his Craven Honda. Browne then went out on Lodge Racing ES2 Norton; he was excellent through Ballaugh but did not make in into the top 6.


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Dean Harrison was first to Ballaugh in the second session on his Craven / Ted Woof G50. Immediately behind him were last year’s winner Shaun Anderson (Beugger Paton) and Adam McLean who was impressive on the Flitwick Enfield. The only moment of concern came when Simon Collins came in too hot, nearly lost it on landing and ran very wide on the exit; thankfully he managed to escape the village safely. Five miles down the road David Glover was not so lucky; he came off on the approach to Glen Tramman (aka Water Trough); but escaped injury.

This was a really good session; well attended and with plenty of interesting machinery to admire.

Best speeds in each class were:

Superbike – Rob Hodson 125.810mph; Davey Todd 124.853mph; Mike Browne 124.461mph

Lightweight – Dan Sayle 115.183mph; Mike Browne 114.068mph; Michael Dunlop 113.492mph

Historic Senior – Adam McLean 111.001mph; John McGuinness 108.817mph; Shaun Anderson 108.418mph

Historic Junior – Jamie Coward 102.935mph; Dean Harrison 101.711mph; Will Loder 98.155mph.

 

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