By Just some of the interesting bits of news circulating around the TT paddock ahead of this evening’s opening practice session include, Michael Rutter being the confirmed number 1 plate holder, for the SES TT Zero race.
Mugen team mate John McGuinness carries the three plate for the innovative, electric machine based race, whilst holder of the two plate is Nottingham University’s Daley Mathison.
Competitors who the public might not have known are entrants for TT 2019, include 2013 Newcomers C Manx GP runner up Richard Wilson, Michael ‘Jack’ Russell and event returnee New Zealand’s Chris Haldane.
Plus Jonathan Perry, Rob Whittall and former Senior Manx GP winner, Mountain Course stalwart Mark Parrett.
22 of the forty plus Locate.im Sidecar entry, are Honda powered, whilst in total five manufacturers have representation via engines, with Suzuki, Yamaha and Triumph all like Honda enjoying strong representation.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Closing in on fifty percent of the RST Superbike, Dunlop Senior competitors, are S1000RR BMW mounted, whilst 20 of the 1000cc race entrants have gone ‘Team Green’, piloting Kawasaki machinery.
Forest Dunn’s latest TT quest, has received a new sponsorship boost, as the Cornwall racer links up with leading tyre retailers, Modern Tyres.
Speaking via Facebook, about the recently unveiled link up with Modern Tyres, the ever enthusiastic Dunn stated:
“Extremely proud to announce a new sponsorship and relationship with local tyre company Modern Tyres, and I can’t thank my main man Gerard Heaney enough for helping us sort this deal out!! Looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with these guys and girls!!”
One topic in particular is on racers, teams minds ahead of tonight’s first timed practice session, the weather!
It’s not clear at present as to what the weather has in store for tonight, with competitive action at TT 2019 set to get underway presently in just over three hours time.
The current schedule for Saturday’s evening practice session, is as follows:
6:00 PM Roads close
6:20-6:45 PM Speed controlled lap – Solo Newcomers
6:35-7:00 PM Speed controlled lap – Sidecar Newcomers
6:45-8:50 PM Lightweight/Supersport/Solo Newcomers practice
Words by Stevie Rial
