Rain hits TT practice

Poor weather has meant today’s TT practice times are largely academic, most riders using the sessions to rehearse a wet weather race and tune their rain set-up.

The conditions around the 37.73-mile course made the roads very slippery, with mist and gusting wind making the Mountain particularly tricky.

Not surprisingly perhaps the sidecars went quickest in the conditions; John Holden and Craig Hallam (Yamaha) lapping in 24:10.3 and 93.66mph, with Roy Hanks and Dave Wells also quicker than the two-wheelers at 93.39mph.

New Zealander Bruce Anstey was the quickest of the two-wheelers, taking his Production CR Suzuki GSX-R1000 round in 24:35.6, an average speed of 92.05mph.

Fellow Kiwi Shaun Harris was second quickest on his Formula One Yamaha R1 in 24:47.00 – 91.34mph. Third was local rider David Madsen-Mygdal on his 750cc RC30 Honda in 24:56.50seconds, 90.76mph.

Etienne Godart from France topped the 600 Junior class at 80.33mph, while Ian Smith from Dyserth was best in the 400cc class at 85.34mph on his RJ Honda.

Manxman Chris Grose was best 125cc at 87.63mph on his Honda, fellow Islander Paul Hunt quickest 600cc Junior at 89.96mph on his Honda; and Emlyn Hughes the sole participant in the TT250 class at 76.92mph.