Todd sets fastest lap; then weather window slams shut.

The sun was shining; the web cams showed the mist was well above the road at the Bungalow and lifting. The Clerk of the Course took the opportunity to give the riders practice time that most of us feared would not be available. The strong breeze was a problem; blowing over some barriers at White Gates. It was warm and the track was perfectly dry. A small group of enthusiasts had gathered to watch the action unfold.

Dean Harrison was once again the first rider on track; he took the left hander at a rapid pace; on the perfect line. Close behind him Michael Dunlop gave a carbon copy performance. Dean lapped at 132.484mph; whilst Michael lapped at 130.762mph; which included slowing to go into the pits to change machines. Next was Hutchy on his Superstock; then Davo Johnson and James Hillier, both Superbike mounted. We then had most of the top runners streaming through; John McGuinness Superbike mounted as he rounded his least favoured corner on the course. Allan Venter was noted to be very quick and using all of the road. Mitch Rees continued his progress; he was bang on line and upped his personal best to 124.326mph.

Davey Todd chose to wait to start his opening lap, ensuring that he did not encounter traffic. He was setting sector best times on his Superstock; but eased off slightly on the mountain climb; then some more as the mist dropped down to affect the course for two miles either side of the Bungalow. Despite this he set the best lap speed in practice with 133.155mph; what could it have been?

The lowering mist meant that the helicopter could no longer operate on part of the mountain section. Rather than stop the riders with a red flag the Clerk of the Course let them continue at race pace as far as possible; then slowed them on the mountain section with use of yellow flags. This meant that lap speeds dropped on the second lap. He allowed the Sidecars to go at full speed until they reached Ramsey. Here, they were stopped between Parliament Square and May Hill; before being escorted over the mountain by the Travelling Marshalls. They achieved a lap to add to their tally; much better than losing the session in its entirety. This was the end of the action; the thickening cloud had begun to deposit its cargo.

Advertisement

The Clerk of the Course will now have to undertake another rescheduling; who would have his job?

Peter Hickman and Tom Weeden are stable and progressing well in hospital after their accidents yesterday. Young local rider Jorge Halliday slid out at Sarah’s Cottage this afternoon; thankfully without injury.

Dean Harrison
Ian Hutchinson
James Hillier
Mikey Evans
Allan Venter
Fastest lap setter; Davey Todd at White Gates.
John McGuinness and Mike Browne
"we got a mighty convoy."
Richard radcliffe

Recent Posts

Save On Protection Essentials With R&G’s Summer Sale

With the summer finally arriving and bike season underway, R&G is offering riders the chance…

3 hours ago

Father’s Day gifts from Richa

Still searching for that perfect gift for Father’s Day? Richa has got you covered with…

4 hours ago

MotoGP Accelerates global fan growth with multi-year Two Circles partnership

MotoGP partners with leading sports marketing agency to turbocharge fan engagement in key markets, with…

6 hours ago

Todd wins Superbike, Dunlop makes it 30; Crowes set lap record.

After a delay caused by normal traffic dropping oil on the course racing began at…

10 hours ago

Smith DQ’d From Mission King Of The Baggers Race One At Road America

MotoAmerica announced today that Bradley Smith has been disqualified from his second-place finish in the…

12 hours ago

A sixth winner in a row calls in Marquez’ backyard

Marc & Alex may lead the way as favourites in Aragon but with unpredictability everywhere…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.