IRRC front runner Jochem Van Den Hoek, made an impressive Mountain Course debut at this years TT Races.
Competing on Performance Racing Achterhoek’s ZX10R Kawasaki, Jochem immediately impressed during the opening practice session of TT 2016, breaking the 100 mph barrier.
The rest of practice week provided amazing weather and gradual rapid improvement for one of the Netherlands leading pure road racers, by the end of practice on Friday evening, he was nearing lapping in excess of the illustrious 120 mph mark.
This ambition was wrapped up in the RST Superbike TT, as Jochem went onto finish a highly respectable 44th.
34th place finish in a record breaking Royal London 360 Quantum superstock race followed, as he finished leading newcomer.
His first TT Races appearance ended with another hugely creditable result, finishing 36th in the blue riband Pokerstars senior TT.
Jochem’s quickest lap speed from TT 2016, was 121.611 mph, making him second quickest newcomer.
All in all an excellent TT debut for the rider currently holding fifth position, in the 2016 IRRC (International Road Racing Championship) superbike class.
Words by Stevie Rial