By On schedule at 6:30 PM, in perfect conditions, the inaugural Junior 600 Classic TT got underway.
First away, Joe Yeardsley (Tony Leach Joinery – Yamaha) was first to Glen Helen but not quickest with Rob Hodson (Neil Orford Haulage – Yamaha) P1, just 0.756 ahead of Michael ‘Jack’ Russell (Complete Plumbing Solutions – Yamaha).
At Ballaugh Hodson moved 5.928 to the good over new second place occupier, TT Privateers Champion Barry Furber (Robinson Timber – Yamaha).
Through Ramsey, across the Mountain, 2022 Classic Superbike Manx Grand Prix winner Hodson pulled further away from Furber and by the time the second, final lap popped up, he attained a race leading advantage, stretching past 10.5 seconds.
Russell aboard ex-Tommy Clucas machinery held third, 5.019 further back with Yeardsley fourth, Ulster Road Race Classic Supersport Champion Ryan Whitehall (Jason Morrow – WR Racing Yamaha) fifth, separated by a shade under 4.4 seconds.
Opening sectors on lap two, would see Hodson continue to control proceedings whilst Yeardsley at Ballaugh Bridge, bested Russell for P3.
Remaining competitive action saw ‘130 Mph Club’ member Hodson keep cool, set consistent pace, clinch a first Classic TT triumph in impressive fashion.
Hodson (final lap – lap speed – 120.276 mph) finished 24.320 seconds clear of Furber (final lap – lap speed – 118.851 mph), who almost lost P2 to Yeardsley (final lap – lap speed – 120.051 mph) thanks to fuel issues at the finish-line (just 0.409 between them).
Senior MGP winner from 2010 Russell captured fourth whilst Whitehall, Tom Robinson (Peter Todd Racing – Yamaha) had strong runs to fifth, sixth respectively.
‘Spartacus’ Marcus Simpson (Duckshaw Racing – Kawasaki) secured seventh with Julien Cregniot, Paul Cassidy and Tom Weeden, attaining eighth, ninth, tenth place finishes.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
