By Today marks 13 years since the opening practice session of the history making centenary TT Races from 2007.
Centenary Mountain Course action began with John McGuinness setting the pace on the HM Plant Honda Superbike, registering a best lap speed of 124.983, (18 minutes 06.77 seconds).
HM Plant Honda team mate Ian Hutchinson placed second quickest whilst overall seven riders topped the 120 mph lap mark, 18 surpassed the 115 mph lap barrier.
Bruce Anstey led the Superstock class lapping at 121.350 mph, Conor Cummins at the time competing for JMF Millsport Yamaha headed the Supersport time sheets, lapping at 120.053 mph whilst Sidecar practice honours were secured by fellow Manx favourites Nick Crowe/Dan Sayle, with a best lap speed of 113.988 mph.
High profile TT debutants to gain their first competitive laps of the fabled, mythical Mountain Course included future two time TT winner Steve Plater, future TT Privateers Champion Ian Mackman, future 2009 TT XGP victor Rob Barber.
Future two times Supersport TT Champion Gary Johnson, Spanish star Antonio Maeso, American Jimmy Moore and Keith Amor who would go onto achieve five TT podium finishes.
Words by Stevie Rial
