By 2026 Classic TT racing kicked off this evening with the brought forward, trimmed to two-laps Historic Junior encounter.
At 5:30 PM action commenced with John McGuinness MBE (Steadplan Racing – Honda) first to get the tap on the shoulder.
Seven times TT winner Dean Harrison (Craven Classic Racing/Ted Woof – Honda) had the initial edge at Glen Helen only for Michael Browne (Melbray Racing – Honda) to take control at Ballaugh Bridge.
Next timing point, Ramsey Hairpin saw Browne continue to lead by an expanded advantage of 10.949 seconds over new second place holder Michael Evans (Ken Rutter Racing – Honda).
Opening sector leader Harrison had gone missing from the timing screens and was soon a confirmed race retirement, stopping at Ballaugh.
Stefano Bonetti (Speed Shadow Racing Team – Yamaha), Paul Cassidy, Russell Roebury joined Harrison on the retirements list.
TT wins record-holder Michael Dunlop MBE and former Duke Road Race Rankings Champion Michael Sweeney were non-starters.
Out front Browne, setting from a standing start, a new category lap-record of 105.322 mph, was 27.246 seconds ahead of good friend, new second place carrier Paul Jordan as lap one wrapped up.
With the Ken Rutter Racing duo of Evans and Joe Yeardsley both dropping out before lap two began, Dominic Herbertson, McGuinness MBE moved up to fourth, fifth respectively behind class winner from 2019, Jamie Coward.
More-drama would arise in the early stages of the second and final lap with runaway race leader Browne not making Ballaugh, thanks to of all issues, a puncture!
Then even more drama, four times TT Privateers Champion, new second place occupier Coward would retire before Ramsey.
At Ramsey, third different race leader Davies Motorsport’s Jordan led by a gargantuan 1 minute 19.015 seconds over fellow ‘130 Mph Club’ TT member Herbertson.
Ultimately Jordan (final lap speed – 104.926) would emerge victorious, retain the Historic Junior Classic TT title.
Jordan’s race winning margin was close to one minute 38 seconds (1:37.307 – to be exact).
Herbertson netted second, McGuinness MBE took third with Sidecar TT great Dan Sayle besting Will Loder for fourth.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
