The race that never was; weather stops play S 100.

The afternoon sunshine had been replaced by gradually lowering grey cloud as the second evening of practice at the Platinum Jubilee Southern 100 meeting began. Location for the evening was Ballabeg; from where an early exit is possible in the event of rain. Duck Street provides good action as the machines power away from the hairpin.

The Superbikes were first on track; the sight of 30 machines charging out of Ballanorris in close company, on the opening lap is something to behold. Davey Todd led that charge; closely followed by Nathan Harrison, Dean Harrison and Brian McCormack. This session gave us some frenetic action and some tremendous speeds in what were, nearly perfect conditions. The ever impressive Davey Todd set the best speed of the evening at 115.644mph. Dean Harrison also lapped at over 115mph; Dean Harrison set a personal best of 114.634mph to take a front row starting position. Late starting Michael Dunlop MBE; Mike Browne and Rob Hodson will make up the second row on the start line. Finland’s Erno Kostamo continues to impress; he lapped at 111.029mph to be 9th fastest. Newcomer Kevin Keyes increased his p.b. to 105.161mph.

Next on track was the eclectic mix of machines that will contest the Lightweight (Supertwins) Races. Joe Yeardsley led the cavalry charge out of Ballanorris. More fast action was provided for the crowd to enjoy; a few nice wheelies were seen; but there were none of the usual overshoots; nor any moments. Likely contenders for the race wins, Rob Hodson and Davey Todd circulated in close company. Lap record holder Hodson secured pole with a lap at 104.957mph; Todd and Paul Jordan also lapped at over 104mph. Locals Mikey Evans and Joe Yeardsley lapped at over 103mph; with Barry Furber in 6th. The margins in these races should be tiny.

The White plated Supersports were next. Dominic Herbertson and newcomer David Rigby were a class above the others and should start in the A races rather than the B. Andy Smart was the best of the newcomers; he lapped at 100.578mph. Gonzalo Castro; the first Mexican rider to compete on the island; increased his best to 95.524mph.

Nathan Harrison and Mikey Evans led the way on the first lap of the session for the yellow plated machines; Mike Browne was close behind them. Davey Todd was fast and neat as he moved up the order on the Milenco Padgett’s Honda. Michael Dunlop again chose not to be near to the front at the start; but he moved quickly through the field and set the best lap of 110.243mph on the 4th lap; his Ducati looking and sounding superb as it powered down Duck Street. Todd and Mike Browne (Russell Yamaha) both lapped at over 109mph. Behind them, Paul Jordan, Nathan Harrison, Rob Hodson and Jamie Coward all lapped at over 108mph. This promises to be an excellent couple of races. Local rider Grant Thomson produced a great save when it seemed certain that he would be high sided off the bike. Cat like reactions allowed Dominic Herbertson to avoid making contact.

The Sidecar session was akin to a session of the Wacky Racers. Ryan and Callum Crowe set the tone on the opening lap coming into Ballabeg rather wide and out of shape. Tim Reeves / Kevin Kolsch were neat and fast. Pete Founds / Jevan Walmsley were next; closely followed by Greg Lambert / Andrew Haynes and Lee Crawford / Scott Hardie. Rob Handcock / Liam Gordon were wide on lap 2; with the sidecar wheel pawing the air. Later Charlie Morphet / Dave Ryder had a near miss on a machine already showing some battle scars; they retired at Ballabeg. No times are available at the time of writing; but this seems to be Crowe vs Founds for the win and Reeves vs Crawford for the final podium position.

The weather then intervened; this caused the Peel Holdings Senior Race to be postponed until Wednesday. The Mike Kerruish Lightweight Race did start; but a localised downpour early on the second lap brought the red flag out very swiftly. This race will also have to be rescheduled. Who would be the Clerk of the Course?

Superbikes passing Ballanorris

Veteran Tim Poole

American newcomer Craig Szczypek

Davey Todd

Nathan Harrison

Craig Kennelly and Neil Connell

The Harrison “twins;” Nathan and Dean

Marcus Simpson and Michael Sweeney

Lightweights exiting Ballanorris

Paul Cassidy and Grant Thomson

Mikey Evans

Davey Todd and Rob Hodson

Rob Handcock / Liam Gordon

Tony Baker / Tom Dawkins

Pete Founds / Jevan Walmsley

Lee Crawford / Scott Hardie
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