IOM 2013 - Day 8 - One Lap

Saturday saw the first race of the inaugural Classic TT being run - the Classic TT 500cc. Mark Herbertson was out on Alan Harmiston's immaculately prepared G50. Unfortunately Mark broke down on lap two. With bike problems, so far this years event hasn't been great for Mark and Alan... good luck for the 350cc race on Monday!

Mark and Joanne just before the Classic TT 500cc race

Dominic and Alan with the G50 on Glencrutchery Road

Between the race, we got the Aprilia up through skrootineering and ready for 1 lap of practice after the 500cc race. My partner Alex arrived on the island on Friday night... great to have her here :-)

Alex getting big Betty through skrootineering

The practice lap went ok. We made changes to the bike and have improved things. She turns in and holds a line better, but the compromise is that she shakes her head a lot over fast bumps when on the power and cranked over.  Nothing too concerning, but I would prefer more stability. We'll see if we can sort that.

Lots happening behind the grandstand on race day. Agostini and Whitham.

I was held up a few times in traffic. Also got a nice pull along when my mate Mike Moulai flew past me through Bishop's Court. Finished the lap 106.5 mph. Considering traffic and a standing start, it's not bad. But not as fast as I wanted.

Nice looking race Buell on the Ace Café stand

Being the last qualifying day, a lot of the lads out there had the bit between their teeth. I didn't improve my fastest time and quite a few of the riders got two laps in. The second lap is a flyer, so you can add 2 mph to your first lap time. As a result, I got moved down the leader-board... in all classes! Disappointed with that.

Manx crab!

Here are a few pics from the red-flag waiting on Thursday evening...