Fast speeds and ideal weather for MGP opener.

HeadlinesIt was a beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon on the Isle of Man as the start time for the newcomers’ escorted lap approached. At the Gooseneck, the resident buzzards were overhead looking for a tasty morsel. This was in contrast to the poor weather conditions that blighted the TT. Right on time, the lap began with former TT star John Barton leading the first group away. A mixture of travelling marshals and TT stars such as John McGuinness led the other groups on their first closed roads experience of the most famous course in the world.

The riders are not allowed to overtake on this lap; so, it was rising local star Grant Thomson; already a winner at Billown; who led the first group through the left hand bend below the Gooseneck. Close behind were local man Blake Kelly and Irish rider Brandon Kavanagh. At the back of the field, Davey Todd was allowed on track to put in a lap on his Classic Superbike Ducati. His BSB commitments cutting down his opportunities for practice in the separate Classic TT sessions later in the week.

First men on track; Grant Thomson, Blake Kelly, Brandon Kavanagh.

Hamish Tarr (NZ)

Thibaud Doutre and Peter Lionel

Wayne Axis and Lee Hara

Dale Brew

Eddy Wormald

Liam Chawke

Andrew Farrell

Johnny Stewart

Toby Shann

Jack Meares

Grant Thomson

Michael Gahan

Jamie WilliamsOnce this lap had been completed the riders in the Supertwins and Junior races were out on track. Liam Chawke led on the road; he was neat and fast. Lewis Arrowsmith, Michael Gahan and Jamie Williams were close behind and impressive as they swept past. After this 45 minute session the Supersport and Senior machines were allowed out to begin their first qualifying session. First to reach the Gooseneck was Triumph mounted Michael Mace. After him the experienced Rad Hughes came through on his Kawasaki. Andy Farrell; out of retirement; was next; he was noticeably quick. The only moment of concern came when one newcomer tried to overtake another around the outside; not a recommended manoeuvre.

Once this session was over it was the second run out for the Supertwins and a move to the inside of the Gooseneck for me. Alex Sinclair led the way; he was bang on the ideal line as he came through. There was some good action for the enthusiasts gathered along the trackside. One or two riders were a tad wide; but no moments of real concern.

The final session saw the Supersports and Seniors back on track. The speeds went up as the experienced riders settled back into their rhythm and the newcomers became more confident. There were no moments of concern; just some impressive riding to admire.

The expected front runners set the pace in the Supersport / Seniors with Chris Cook best at 117.731mph; from Jamie Williams and Andrew Farrell; both over 116mph. Michael Gahan, Ryan Whitehall and Don Gilbert completed the top 6. Best of the newcomers was Eddy Wormald at 113.797mph; with local Grant Thomson next at 113.040mph.

The Supertwins were led by Michael Gahan at 111.850mph; Jamie Williams was second at 111.794mph; with Lewis Arrowsmith third at 111.595mph. Liam Chawke, Caomhan Canny and Ryan Garside completed the top 6. Grant Thomson was best newcomer at 108.768mph; with Lee Hara next best at 105.560mph.

There were two incidents; newcomer James Walsh crashed out at Cruickshanks on his first unescorted lap. He was taken to hospital for assessment of a possible injury to his hip; hopefully he has escaped injury. Stuart Clotworthy, our USA based Manxman, came off at Waterworks 2; both and bike were unscathed.

The weather is set fair for some fast action tonight.