IOM 2014 Day 8 - Final Practice

Although we weren't racing, Saturday was the first day of racing at the Festival of Motorcycling - the 500cc Classic race. Before the race we had a short practice session for the Ducati and after the race a longer session where we could have a run out on the Aprilia and test the new fork springs. It was an early start with the road closing at 09h30 so we were up till after midnight prepping the bikes.

Burning the midnight oil...

We get the Duke through skrootineering and into it's tyre warmers up on Parc Firme. Pretty soon and we're blasting our way down Bray Hill. There was rain earlier in the morning and the course was damp most of the way around. I took it easy and tested the changes we'd made - they were good. I was quite please with a standing start lap of 106mph in those conditions.

A few carbon repairs needed

After the practice session, the 500cc Classic race was run. Unfortunately my friend Mark Herbertson got a DNF in lap 1 after engine troubles during practice week.

We get the Aprilia through skrootineering during the race and are out for a few laps afterwards to test the new springs. The harder springs will help the bike bottoming out and diving on the brakes, in turn helping to keep the rear wheel on the deck under heavy braking. It also allows us to dial in 5mm more sag on the front. The bike feels better - still good over the bumps, but much better on the brakes. It also seems to wheelie a lot more over the bumps and at gear-changes.

Ex-Gibenau Desmosedici on display

I can't remember my laptimes on the Aprilia, but they were good. There were a number of incidents during the session and that evening and we were saddened to learn that night that Tim Moorhead had lost his life on the Mountain in one of the incidents. Sincerest condolences to Tim's family and friends.

Tim Moorhead was a Newcomer in 2012

After the practice session, there was a parade lap with the who's-who of TT racing on historic TT bikes to commemorate Joey Dunlop's TT career. Kevan managed to blag his way onto Glencrutchery Road and got selfies with just about all the celebrities. I've spent the last few years doing the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT in the company of these famous riders, when I saw all Kevan's selfies, I realized I don't have any pics with these legends. I made a mental note to get at least one in the next few days.

Steve and Mandy with TT legend John McGuinness

We've worked hard and improved the bikes every practice session and set personal bests in almost every session we went out in. I was happy with the bikes and ready to take them out to race. With only two short practice session remaining during race days, and me happy with the bikes, it was more than likely that I won't be doing any more practice laps. We'd put in the effort and reaped the rewards. All that was left was to race prep the bikes and go racing.

 Some of Kevan's selfies from Glencrutchery Road...

...more who's-who

Steve Plater on Hizzy's bike

Steve Plater and Mick Grant