By 11 times TT winner Ian Hutchinson topped a close fought opening timed superbike practice session at TT 2016, tonight in pretty much perfect conditions.
Having gradually increased his pace throughout the session, Hutchy on his fourth lap on the Tyco BMW superbike, stormed to the top of the leader board, lapping at 129.964 mph.
Michael Dunlop for a while the pace setter, finished second fastest, on the Hawk Racing S1000RR BMW, following lap speed of 129.670 mph.
Honda Racing duo John McGuinness 128.871 mph, Conor Cummins 127.241 mph, finished third and fourth fastest.
Bruce Anstey on the exotic Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles RC213V-S Honda, immediately showcased the potential of what is essentially a Moto GP production bike for the road, finishing fifth quickest, with lap speed of 127.071 mph.
The top six in practice was completed by Michael Rutter, Bathams SMT Racing S1000RR BMW, one of only six riders, to lap in excess of 129 mph.
Additional stand out performances from the superbikes first appearance on the Mountain Course at this years TT Races, included James Hillier 125.570 mph, Dean Harrison 125.404 mph, William Dunlop 125.182 mph showing good pace on his own teams YZF R1M Yamaha.
Finalising the top ten of a quite tremendous practice session was Dan Hegarty 124.104 mph, on the RTR Motorcycles Racing ZX10R Kawasaki.
Rising stars James Cowton, Jamie Coward, Bimota Racing’s Ben Wylie all impressed, cracking the 122 mph barrier.
TT 2016 – Monday Practice – Superbike Results
1 Ian Hutchinson 129.964
2 Michael Dunlop 129.497
3 John McGuinness 128.871
4 Conor Cummins 127.241
5 Bruce Anstey 127.071
6 Michael Rutter 127.031
7 James Hillier 125.570
8 Dean Harrison 125.404
9 William Dunlop 125.182
10 Dan Hegarty 124.104
11 Ivan Lintin 123.823
12 Gary Johnson 123.272
13 James Cowton 122.896
14 Lee Johnston 122.775
15 Sam West 122.496
Words by Stevie Rial
