Davey Todd sets Superstock benchmark
Davey Todd provided the headline of the day, setting an impressive lap average of 133.155 mph (214.293 km/h) on his Monster Energy by 8TEN Racing BMW Superstock. This time not only marks the best performance of the day in the Superstock category, but is also the fastest Superstock lap of the entire TT week so far.
Although Todd joined the session late and only completed one flying lap, this performance was enough to clearly distance him from the competition.
Harrison dominates early Superbike phase
Michael Dunlop opened the session on his MD Racing BMW Superbike, closely followed by Dean Harrison on the Honda Racing Superbike. The decision to take to the track early paid off for Harrison in particular. He was already over six seconds faster than the rest of the field at Glen Helen and had already overtaken Dunlop to Kirk Michael on the track.
At the end of his flying lap, Harrison reached an average speed of 132.484 mph (213.222 km/h) from a standing start, putting him over 13 seconds ahead of Dunlop (130.762 mph / 210.423 km/h). They were followed by David Johnson (127.976 mph / 205.920 km/h), Josh Brookes (127.650 mph / 205.390 km/h) and James Hillier (127.572 mph / 205.266 km/h).
Superstock competition remains close
Behind Todd, Dominic Herbertson caused a stir. On his HRRC/Adam Hewitt Ltd Honda, he rode a lap at 128.737 mph (207.176 km/h), making him the fastest Superstock rider behind Todd and the third fastest rider overall. He was closely followed by Nathan Harrison (128.501 mph / 206.801 km/h), Conor Cummins (128.389 mph / 206.623 km/h) and Mike Browne (127.949 mph / 205.930 km/h).
Michael Dunlop was able to jump up to second place in the Superstock classification later in the session with 130.262 mph (209.586 km/h).
Weather stop on the mountain
The session was interrupted by clouds gathering over the Mountain. Riders who were already on the track were allowed to return to the Grandstand under yellow-flag conditions – new flying laps were no longer possible.
Nevertheless, David Johnson was able to complete another fast lap at 128.895 mph (207.416 km/h), while James Jordan set his personal best time of the week at 128.694 mph (207.094 km/h). Herbertson and Nathan Harrison also stayed above the 128 mph mark, although they were unable to beat their previous times. TT rookie Mitch Rees confirmed his learning curve with 124.326 mph (200.030 km/h).
Sidecar action with limitations
The sidecars were also in action in the afternoon – but only as far as Ramsey, with the marshals bringing them back afterwards. Full lap times could therefore not be recorded, but the splits provided interesting insights:
– Crawford/Hardie were two tenths ahead of Founds/Walmsley at Glen Helen.
– Birchall/Rosney followed 1.2 seconds behind, but set a brief highlight at the Sulby Speedtrap with 153.005 mph (246.264 km/h) – until the Crowe brothers surpassed them with 161.317 mph (259.600 km/h).
The Crowes, who have set the Sidecar pace of the week so far, concentrated on breaking in a new engine in this session.
Outlook
The day’s action came to a premature end with the onset of drizzle. The teams now turn their attention to tomorrow’s schedule, which will once again be heavily weather-dependent.