How much hotter can the action at the 2009 TT get?
Temperatures may have dropped, but the action on the Isle of Man TT circuit just keeps getting hotter!
After HM Plant Honda’s John McGuinness put in a stunning 130.171mph average lap on his superbike during Wednesday evening’s practice, everyone will be watching the fifth practice session to see if he can go even quicker – or if his nearest rival Guy Martin can set the new standard.
It is a little colder this evening, and there is more cloud, but the sun is shining on the Isle of Man and the Mountain section of the legendary TT course is due to start closing at 5pm, with the rest of the circuit schedule to be closed by 6pm.
The first solo machines are expected to leave the Grandstand in Douglas at about 6.20pm, with the sidecar session scheduled to start at 8pm.
Martin’s times on the Hydrex Honda superbike were stunningly quick, his best an average of 129.168mph – but pace-setting McGuinness was not to be beaten on the night.
Ian Hutchinson and Keith Amor will be hoping to build on their success in the superstock class on Wednesday evening – they were the only riders to exceed 126mph over a lap.
Michael Dunlop stunned everyone in the supersport class, taking his Yamaha R6 around the course at an average of 125.085mph – more than 2mph quicker than his nearest rival Hutchinson – and there could be more excitement to come in that class this evening.
The sidecar session was just as dramatic, despite 13-times TT winner Dave Molyneux sitting Wednesday evening’s session out. Nick Crowe and Mark Cox were simply untouchable, making the most of the conditions to put in a best speed of 116.063mph, significantly faster than John Holden and Andy Winkle who set the second fastest lap of the night at 112.344mph.
Fans following the action with the TT Live! subscription service were able to watch Crowe’s mega lap as it happened, including the incredible 126.231mph average speed his outfit maintained from the Grandstand to Ramsey Hairpin.
Moly is expected to try and redress the balance with his fellow Manxman this evening, conditions allowing.
Don’t forget you can follow all the action, as it happens, with TT Live!