Skies clearing as third practice session of TT 2011 nears
Wednesday 01 June 2011
TT
Despite dark clouds hanging over the Isle of Man for much of Wednesday, skies are clearing and the sun breaking through as the third practice session nears.
It is hoped tonight’s 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy practice session will get away on time, giving the racers more time to get ready for the first races on Saturday.
The Mountain section of the course is due to close at 5pm, with the rest of the course closed at 6pm. The first solo machines are due to leave the TT Grandstand at 6.20pm, with the sidecar session scheduled to start at 8pm.
Roads will start re-opening no later than 9.30pm, with the Mountain section open one hour later.
Honda TT Legends rider John McGuinness has been the made to beat on the Superbike in the opening two sessions, setting a fastest average speed in excess of 129mph on his second practice lap on Tuesday evening.
He seems perfectly happy with the bike, and his only complaint has been about his tight-fitting leathers!
Gary Johnson has been stunningly quick on his East Coast Racing Honda Superbike, setting an average speed of almost 128mph from a standing start last night and he will be looking for further improvements.
Guy Martin, now getting to grips with his Suzuki Superbike, is also heading up the timings, as is Australian Cameron Donald on the Wilson Craig Racing Honda.
There was close competition in the Superstock class on Tuesday, with Johnson, Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey showing the way, while Dunlop and Anstey were also the fastest pair on Supersport machinery
For the sidecar crews, tonight will provide valuable tracktime after Tuesday night’s session was abandoned after the tragic accident in which Bill Currie and Kevin Morgan lost their lives.
In the only session for the chairs so far, on Monday, Klaus Klaffenbock and passenger Dan Sayle, who took both wins in 2010, topped the times by a clear 4mph from Tony Elmer and Darren Marshall.
Simon Andrews, on the Ice Valley BMW, is the fastest newcomer so far this week, recording a 116.273mph on Tuesday.
For the latest news visit iomtt.com or tune into Manx Radio TT, and for updates on the roads call 01624 685888.
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