Practice for the 2009 Isle
of Man TT Races got underway this evening after a 40-minute
delay due to cattle on the Ballacrye section of the circuit but,
just after 7pm, the first batch of newcomers went out on their
controlled lap. In total 186 machines went through scrutineering
– 60 Superbikes, 56 Supersport, 22 Superstock, 1 Senior and 47
Sidecars.
Conditions were perfect tonight with competitors greeted by blue
skies and warm sun although it soon became apparent that there
was one major problem – flies! The warmth certainly brought out
the majority of the Island’s bug population and most riders were
without tear-offs half way round their first lap.
Rider Liaison Officers Richard Quayle and Johnny Barton were
accompanied by Nigel Beattie, Paul Duckett and Steve Linsdell as
they took the newcomers around, Ben Wylie, James Ford, Adrian
Clark and Steve Mercer all well to the fore. Americans Scott
Jensen, James Vanderhaar and CR Gittere were also out on the
course for the first time along with Marc Fissette, Luis
Carreira and Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita.
Ten minutes later, the leading solo riders got their first taste
of the action and it was Gary Johnson who led the field away on
the Robinson Concrete Honda Superbike machine with Ian
Hutchinson setting off shortly after, the Bingley rider opting
to take out his Padgetts Supersport machine.
The Relentless by TAS Suzuki’s of Bruce Anstey and Cameron
Donald left the line together with Michael Dunlop (600 Street
Sweep Yamaha) and Keith Amor (Wilson Craig Honda Superstock)
following behind. Steve Plater, fresh from qualifying 5th at the
Thruxton British Supersport round, arrived on the Island just
before 6pm and went out on his Superbike. Team-mate John
McGuinness was also out on his Superbike and left the line
approximately 15 riders in.
All of the newcomers successfully completed their first lap with
many of them stating how enjoyable it was but how they wanted to
get back out on their own and not follow at a controlled speed!
As stated, riders were reporting excellent conditions apart from
the plague of flies whilst a number also commented on a dusty
surface in places. As the session wore on, riders were also met
with yellow flags due to the low sun, Guy Martin commenting that
it was particularly bad on the way out of Union Mills, through
Appledene and through the Ginger Hall to Ramsey section.
The session was untimed although John McGuinness, who only
managed two laps before suffering an oil leak, got round at
approximately 125mph whilst Ian Hutchinson, Gary Johnson and Guy
Martin were unofficially clocked around the 122-123mph bracket.
Michael Dunlop created a lot of excitement and attention when he
went out on the Norton but it was an inauspicious debut as he
only got as far as the Glen Helen section, 9 miles in to the
lap.
At 8.25pm, it was the turn of the F2 sidecars and they were led
away by Nick Crowe/Mark Cox with Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle and Tim
Reeves/Patrick Farrance not too far behind. However, Crowe was
soon reported to have stopped and pulled off the course whilst
Molyneux and Reeves also stopped at Parliament Square and Ramsey
Hairpin respectively to wash their visors due to the ever
worsening flies.
Amongst the speed trap figures recorded tonight, taken along the
Sulby Straight, were Steve Plater at 183.9mph, Conor Cummins at
182.9mph and Adrian Archibald at 181.4mph. However, it was the
Suzuki of Cameron Donald that was quickest at 185.4mph. In the
sidecars, Dave Molyneux was timed at 141.9mph.
Scott Jensen was taken for a check up after coming off at Union
Mills and Steve McDonald came off at Braddan and was taken for a
check up and discharged.
Qualifying begins on Monday with added interest expected this
year with the award of watches by the official timing partner
Graham London. Limited edition TT watches with a retail value of
£6500 will be awarded to the fastest sidecar and solo
qualifiers.
PICTURES
OPENS IN
NEW WINDOW
|