By “First lap was a bit tentative, then second lap got straight back into it.”
For 2024 Senior Manx Grand Prix winner Dan Ingham, last Monday’s free practice sessions, were in his own words, ‘absolutely mega’.
“Mega, absolutely mega, that was definitely the best conditions, I’ve ever ridden around this place in ever, so it was good, not been here for nearly two years, felt like I hadn’t been away.”
Competing under the Castings Technology banner, equipped with R6 Yamaha, RS660 Aprilia machinery, the Melton Mowbray rider, cannot thank enough his main sponsor for their loyal support.
“I would not be here without him at all, put two good bikes underneath me, fully supporting me, we’ve had so much support coming on board since stepping up to the TT, it’s been a massive help, massively appreciated.”
In the run up to TT 2026, Ingham’s only outings have been a Bemsee meet at Oulton Park and the Briggs Equipment Northwest 200.
Summing up how he fared throughout NW200 race week, the ever-affable pilot who plans to tackle following TT 2026, the Tandragee 100 and Armoy Road Races, stated:
“That was difficult, dodgy conditions that first day, half of it was dry, half of it was wet by the time you got to the wet stuff, your wets were too hot.
But race day was perfect, really enjoyed race day, bit of a red flag city for the day, part- and-parcel when people have not good enough track time and trying to push it is what happens.”
Lap speeds wise at TT 2026, Ingham has a-few specific goals:
“Really want to get above 120, I would like to get a 116 on the Twin. Were we are-at the end of the day is irrelevant, I’ve’ come here there is no pressure, there is no expectations anybody at Castings.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
