Nick
Crowe and Dan Sayle set the standard in the sidecars
Despite the slightly overcast conditions spectators flocked to the
grandstand and were treated to some stunning laps in the Bennetts TT
practice session tonight, most notably from John McGuinness on the HM
Plant Honda. McGuinness posted an unofficial Superbike lap record of
128.492mph, although his time was slower than his outright record in
last year’s Senior race. Nick Crowe and Dan Sayle continue to set the
pace in the sidecars while Bruce Anstey recorded the night’s fastest
times in the Supersport and Superstock classes.
The session got underway on time at 6.15pm. A new system saw the top
thirty riders lined up on Glencrutchery Road on the signal which avoided
the scramble with the rest of the riders. Conditions were described as
ideal as John McGuinness passed lead off pair Adrian Archibald and Ryan
Farquhar to be first home on the first practice lap and followed this
with his unofficial Superbike record time on his second lap.
There were other notable performances from Guy Martin (126.931mph), Ian
Lougher (126.346mph) and Ian Hutchinson (126.269mph). Michael Weynand
was able to get 4 laps on his Bolliger Kawasaki Superbike and posted a
time of 121.839mph on the fourth, which left him eighth fastest on the
night.
In the sidecars, Dave Molyneux and Rick Long’s problems continued as
they got as far as Bray Hill before pulling in with mechanical problems.
They were forced to watch as their rivals Nick Crowe and Dan Sayle again
set the fastest practice time with a 114.208 lap. Meanwhile Klaus
Klaffenbock stopped at Sulby with reported suspension problems.
William Dunlop came off at Water Works and was described as having minor
abrasions. Alan Chamley and Conor Cummins collided at Laurel Bank.
Chamley was initially knocked out while Cummins was described as shaken
but unhurt. There were also incidents reported with Roger Maher and
Karsten Schmidt at Water Works and Quarter Bridge respectively but both
reported only minor injuries.
243 machines went through scrutineering tonight. 5 senior, 70 Superbikes,
33 Superstock, 67 Supersport and 68 sidecars.
For further information contact: Simon Crellin: TT press office 00 44
1624 644 622
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