First TT race day of 2011 dawns bright and hot in the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is basking in bright sunshine, clear skies and a cool breeze as the first race day gets under way at the 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
The six-lap Dainese Superbike TT is schedule to start at midday, with the first Sure Sidecar race due at 3pm.
The Mountain section of the course is already closed, due to a collision, and will not re-open before racing starts. The rest of the course closes at 11am.
All eyes will be on pre-race favourite John McGuinness, the Honda TT Legend's rider who is already a 15-times winner around the 37.7-mile course. However, he could face stiff competition from Bruce Anstey after the Padgetts Honda rider set his fastest-ever time around the course, and the fastest of the week, in the final session - a massive lap of more than 131mph.
Plus, Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing's Guy Martin, Kawasaki-mounted Michael Dunlop, Wilson Criag Honda's Cameron Donald and veteran Michael Rutter on the Ducati cannot be discounted. East Coast Racing Honda's Gary Johnson could also be in with a shot after one of his strongest-ever Practice Weeks.
Keith Amor, teammate of McGuinness, will be hoping for a strong run as he recovers from the shoulder injury suffered in Wednesday's practice.
In the sidecars, Klaus Klaffenbock and Dan Sayle, who dominated in 2010, will be tough to beat, however John Holden/Andy Winkle and Tim Reeves/Gregory Cluze will be battling all the way.
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