By An entertaining opening Sidecar practice session of TT 2017, saw Manx TT legends Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle set the pace, as the incredible pieces of engineering, that are the three wheeling machines, ventured upon the Mountain Course, for the first time, this week.
The A&J Groundworks backed Yamaha powered, retro yellow and black liveried outfit of Molyneux and Sayle, didn’t miss a beat, as they lapped at an already impressive 114.090 mph.
Nearest challengers this evening where fellow TT giants the Birchall brothers, who lapped close to the 111 mph mark.
Tim Reeves and newcomer passenger Mark Wilkes, was fourth fastest, whilst third quickest Peter Founds/Jevan Walmsley showcased that last years podium finish in the opening Sure Sidecar encounter, was no fluke as they proved again their ability to mix it, with the established front runners.
Photo by Jim Gibson
The new combination of Conrad Harrison/Andy Winkle got off to a fruitful start, lapping in excess of 107 mph, same applied to the Ramsden’s Steve and Matty, Gary Knight/Daniel Evanson broke through the 106 mph barrier, whilst Karl Bennett and new team mate Maxime Vasseur (104.808 mph), had a solid and steady first practice session.
Added notable lap speeds included Wayne Lockey/Mark Sayers (104.387), Dave Wallis/Scott Hardie (103.49), John Saunders/Frank Claeys (103.388), Estelle Leblond/Melanie Farnier (103.043 mph) and Mick Alton/Chrissie Clancy (104.088).
High profile retirements during practice included Silicone Engineering Racing’s John Holden/Lee Cain, plus Brian Gray Powerbiking backed Alan Founds and Jake Lowther.
TT 2017 – Tuesday Practice – Sidecar Results:
1 Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle 114.090
2 Ben Birchall/Tom Birchall 110.917
3 Peter Founds/Jevan Walmsley 110.427
4 Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes 109.719
5 Steve Ramsden/Matty Ramsden 107.991
6 Conrad Harrison/Andy Winkle 107.458
7 Gary Knight/Daniel Evanson 106.563
8 Karl Bennett/Maxime Vasseur 104.808
9 Wayne Lockey/Mark Sayers 104.387
10 Mick Alton/Chrissie Clancy 104.080
11 Dave Wallis/Scott Hardie 103.49
12 John Saunders/Frank Claeys 103.388
13 Estelle Leblond/Melanie Farnier 103.043
14 Lewis Blackstock/Patrick Rosney 102.144
15 Robert Handcock/Ken Edwards 101.982
16 Gordon Shand/Phil Hyde 101.976
17 Francois Leblond/Bruno Picquoin 101.417
18 Kenny Howles/Dave Mahon 101.337
19 Howard Baker/Mike Killingsworth 99.901
20 Mike Roscher/Ben Hughes 99.627
21 Darren Hope/Shaun Parker 98.689
22 Franck Barbier/Goulven Crochemore 97.285
23 Nigel Smith/Chris McGahan 96.14
24 Roy Tansley/Darren Prentis 94.573
25 Mark Saunders/Karl Schofield 94.547
26 Craig Melvin/Stuart Christian 94.532
27 Gary Gibson/Daryl Gibson 94.463
28 John Shipley/Dicky Gale 93.773
29 Brian Alflatt/Jody James 93.748
30 Vince Biggs/Vicky Cooke 93.286
31 Claude Montagnier/Olivier Chabloz 92.272
32 Kevin Thornton/Dave Dean 93.119
33 Debbie Baron/Alun Thomas 93.027
34 John Holden/Lee Cain 92.882
35 Tony Baker/Fiona Baker Holden 92.714
36 Dean Nicholls/Kenny Cole 89.289
37 Roger Stockton/Jason O’Connor 89.172
38 Dave Quirk/Marc Maier 45.305
Words by Stevie Rial
