Manx GP begins

The first practice session for this year’s Manx GP got underway on the Isle of Man on Saturday, September 21, with a new safety regime seeing the newcomers treated to a guided lap before the practice session.

Two groups of first time Manx riders were taken round the Mountain course by travelling marshals to give them a taster of what was in store before they set off at race pace.

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Despite lone 125cc newcomer Mark Edwards getting left behind on the straights, the session went down well with all and the roads opened for practice proper when they arrived back at the start.

Local man Tommy Clucas set the pace with a 115.22 mph average speed on his Bullock Honda CBR600RR from a standing start, despite being told to take it easy by sponsor Martin Bullock. Clucas was adamant the he was taking it easy and subsequently went on to set the fastest lap of the session at 115.61 mph.

A total of 325 bikes were scrutineered for the practice session and all but five made it back to the finish.

Local newcomer Angus McMahon was the only rider seriously injured after crashing his Yamaha R6 at Union Mills, breaking several bones. He was taken to Noble’s hospital but is reported as being stable.