TT waiting for weather to clear

Today’s action at the Isle of Man TT races has already been hit by the weather with the start of the six-lap Superbike race already delayed from 10.45am until 12.45 with talk of a further delay looking very possible due to heavy mist on the Mountain.

The issue is further complicated by the on-going tyre issue. Saturday’s behind the scene’s wranglings over the TT rules prohibiting the use of hand-cut slicks could still affect the leading Dunlop runners in the race today.

At present, the course is still damp in places, which means riders would prefer to start on intermediates to help keep the heat in the tyres through extended damp areas.

The course is unlikey to dry fully until later in the day when the forecast is for much improved temperatures.

Dunlop’s Phil Plater said: “We’ll have to wait and see what conditions are like when the organisers finally declare a time for the race start time. Currently the conditions would call for hand cut front slicks tyres and there’s no movement from the organisers to rescind their regulations.

“If that remains the case (and hand cut tyres are prohibited) I won’t be able to recommend a tyre to use. From that point it will be down to the teams to make a decision whether to start the race or not. But I’m happy to stand up and say I don’t have a tyre available.”

Dunlop are expecting a delivery of tyres that have been cut in the factory back in Birmingham to use in the Senior race later in the week but Plater was unable to confirm whether or not they will arrive in time for today’s race start.”