The first race of the 2008 Isle of Man TT is scheduled to burst into action at midday today.
The six-lap Dainese Superbike TT is expected to be one of the most competitive races seen for years, with an incredible field of the most talented road racers and many short circuit stars preparing to line up for the start at the TT Grandstand.
After the beginning of Practice Week was interrupted by poor weather the competitors only had Thursday and Friday evening to show what they could do.
Hydrex Bike Animal Honda’s Guy Martin, a pre-event favourite to take his first TT win this year, showed he could be the man to beat on the Superbike when he topped the times on Thursday.
However, you can never discount John McGuinness. The Padgett’s Honda rider blasted past the 128mph average speed during Friday’s practice to finish the week as the fastest man.
But it will not be just about those two. The Relentless by TAS Suzuki super bikes have been running very quickly, with Cameron Donald finishing the week as second fastest and teammate Bruce Anstey putting in some amazing speeds at the Unisys Sulby speed trap.
But the quality of the field is so strong, there are plenty of riders who could challenge these four for victory. AIM Yamaha’s Steve Plater and Ian Hutchinson are looking determined, Manxman Conor Cummins has shown he has the speed, veterans Adrian Archibald and Ian Lougher are never to be dismissed and that’s just a handful of the 60-plus strong field.
After the Dainese Superbike TT, its over to the chairs for the first Sure Mobile Sidecar TT.
Practice sessions would suggested it is going to be between the outfits of Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle and Nick Crowe/Mark Cox, both of which posted average lap speeds of more than 115mph.
But the sidecar races can be cruel, as Crowe, who retired from both races last year after setting amazing lap times, will testify.
Behind the leading outfits, John Holden/Andrew Winkle, Klaus Klaffenbock/Christian Parzer, Steve Norbury/Rick Long and many more great crews and experienced campaigners are ready to take the crown.
Spectators will also be treated to the sight of triple World Champions Tim Reeves and Patrick Farrance making their TT debut. They have already said this is a learning year, but lap speeds in excess of 110mph show they mean business.
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