By Given the weather, allied to the chilled-out atmosphere, you’d have been forgiven for thinking this morning on Manx shores, is this the Monaco Grand Prix?
34 minutes behind schedule at 11:04 AM Mountain Course newcomers, were first to hurtle through Glencrutchery Road, Bray Hill, Quarter Bridge.
Once the newcomers speed-controlled laps ended, Supersport/Super Twins free practice opened.
The bulk of competitors looked calm, cool, relaxed as summed up by Team Classic Suzuki’s Shaun Anderson, “Wobble round the Isle of Man in the sun”.
Jamie Coward, Dominic Herbertson were early retirements whilst first away was Michael Rutter astride the Bathams Racing R7 Yamaha.
First to complete their opening laps were 21 times TT winner Michael Dunlop and Boyce Precision Engineering/Russell Racing pilot Dean Harrison.
With the above showcased Supersport/Twins combined following Superbike/Superstock, Sidecar sessions non-timed, you couldn’t easily tell who looked in formidable, stern form.
One aspect from morning, early afternoon practice that did stand out though was the sheer enthusiasm expressed by TT pilots whether experienced, growing in experience, new to the world’s most famous road race.
Every road race worldwide offers something different, unique but the TT and the Mountain Course is considered as the ‘Power and The Glory’, it’s history and the challenges it brings are unparalleled.
TT 2023 is go!
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
