By After a lengthy delay due too various vehicles been left at specific locations around the Mountain Course, the opening practice session of the 2017 Classic TT Races, got underway at 6:50 PM.
Despite the delay, course conditions for competitors where still highly adequate. This was showcased in full by TT Privateers champion Horst Saiger who’s standing start lap speed of 117.178 mph, was more than enough to top the Superbike time sheets.
Nearest challengers to him where reigning Junior Manx GP winner Andy Dudgeon (115.395), David Johnson (114.665), Lee Johnston (114.137) and Matt Rees (112.705).
Bruce Anstey’s latest Classic TT campaign got off to a frustrating start, with the Flying Kiwi managing only one lap on the exotic Padgetts YZR 500 Yamaha, lapping at 94.868 mph after teething troubles with his high profile mount.
Photo by Jim Gibson
The New Zealander had much more fruitful fortunes within the Lightweight class, firmly setting the pace lapping at 113.07 mph.
Turner Racing’s Dan Cooper second quickest, lapped close to the 110 mph mark, whilst class specialists Chris Moore (108.438) and Paul Owen (107.764) were not to far behind the four times Aberdare Park Welsh Open winner, whilst fifth fastest Ivan Lintin (107.063) quickly reacquainted himself with 250 machinery.
Cameron Donald’s return to real roads action went perfect, as the well respected Australian stormed to the top of the Junior qualifying charts, propelling the McKintosh Manx Norton to lap speed of 94.650 mph.
Lee Johnston (93.978), the sole Black Eagle MV racer competing this evening was second fastest, as renowned classic specialists Meredydd Owen, Dave Edwards, Keith Dixon, Dave Matravers and Alec Whitwell all lapping over the 90 mph mark, impressed.
The marque Senior 500 class pace was set by the on form Jamie Coward, who’s rapid lap speed of 108.036 mph aboard the Ted Woof backed Norton, underlined why he is considered by many as a potential rostrum finisher in next Saturday’s four lap race.
Davies Motorsport enjoyed strong representation near the top of the practice leader board, with Alan Oversby and Dominic Herbertson finishing second and fourth fastest respectively, as third quickest Maria Costello MBE lead the Italian national anthems challenge.
Notable absentees from practice this evening included Michael Dunlop who’s this weekend participating in the Ulster Rally, plus Michael Rutter and Josh Brookes on BSB duty at Cadwell Park.
Also absent where William Dunlop, Derek Sheils, Ian Lougher and James Hillier.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Saturday Practice – Classic TT results are as follows:
Superbike:
1 Horst Saiger 117.178
2 Andy Dudgeon 115.395
3 David Johnson 114.665
4 Lee Johnston 114.137
5 Matt Rees 112.705
6 Scott Wilson 111.724
7 Dan Stewart 111.654
8 Danny Webb 109.474
9 Richard Wilson 108.456
10 James Ford 107.561
11 Michael Hand 107.321
12 Dennis Booth 107.197
13 Andy Lovett 106.148
14 Tom Weeden 105.996
15 Olie Linsdell 105.949
16 Morgan Govignon 105.908
17 Kiaran Hankin 105.153
18 Neal Champion 105.035
19 Dan Ingham 104.684
20 James Caswell 104.621
Lightweight:
1 Bruce Anstey 113.07
2 Dan Cooper 109.838
3 Chris Moore 108.438
4 Paul Owen 107.764
5 Ivan Lintin 107.063
6 Gary Vines 106.059
7 Dave Hewson 104.094
8 Tom Snow 103.088
9 Chris Swallow 103.061
10 Steven Howard 98.099
11 Carsten Svendsen 98.021
12 Ewan Hamilton 97.640
13 Derek Glass 97.246
14 Eric Lenser 96.253
15 Jim Barnett 96.250
16 Stephen Ault 95.387
17 Andrew Cowie 94.976
18 Adrian Morris 94.674
19 Richard Gelder 92.753
20 Peter Moore 90.943
Senior:
1 Jamie Coward 108.036
2 Alan Oversby 106.516
3 Maria Costello MBE 103.310
4 Dominic Herbertson 103.217
5 Michael Russell 101.988
6 Horst Saiger 98.899
7 Olie Linsdell 98.486
8 Steve Ferguson 98.254
9 Hefyn Owen 98.247
10 Dave Madsen Mygdal 95.172
11 Bob Owen 95.118
12 John Barton 94.738
13 Andy Lee 92.935
14 Mark Parrett 92.404
15 Jaeson Caunce 91.924
16 Edward Poole 91.374
17 Arthur Browning 90.653
18 Russell Roebury 89.046
19 Lee Jennings 88.337
20 Tony Ainley 87.938
Junior:
1 Cameron Donald 94.650
2 Lee Johnston 93.978
3 Meredydd Owen 91.293
4 Dave Edwards 90.500
5 Keith Dixon 90.396
6 Dave Matravers 90.328
7 Alec Whitwell 90.189
8 Bernie Wright 89.371
9 Chris Swallow 89.124
10 Alex Sinclair 88.965
11 Jeff Ward 88.913
12 Grant Sellars 88.676
13 Bruno Leroy 87.844
14 Roy Phipps 87.117
15 David Burrell 84.820
16 Mark Woods 84.220
17 Alan Bud Jackson 84.218
18 Ian Thompson 83.976
19 Tony Tuttle 83.948
20 Jamie O’Brien 80.422
Words by Stevie Rial
