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Saturday 28th Practice


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In view of the weather conditions, the race organisers decided not to time this evening's session with strong winds all around the course, but especially on the mountain. Also apologies for no pictures, as digital camera blurred piccies far too much to be any good!First out were the solo newcomers, escorted by two travelling marshals. Amongst this group were Cameron Donald from Australia and Germany's Markus Barth, both of whom are expected to go well at this year's event. Both riders have Honda CBR 600s for the Supersport Junior race.All the usual suspects were out on the larger Superbike machines, Martin Finnegan and Adrian Archibald amongst some of the earlier riders out on the course. Laxey's Nigel Beattie told Manx Radio's Chris Kinley that conditions on the course were 'like nothing I've experienced' - Windy Corner and the climb from the Gooseneck some of the more difficult places to negociate due to the wind. Richard Britton also said that he had trouble steering in a straight line out of Windy Corner.Lap record holder John McGuinness completed three laps on various machinery, although at a much more leisurely pace to what he's normally used to - even having time for a glance over his shoulder at Braddan! The same was true for Jason Griffiths, who starts just one place ahead of McGuinness in all of the solo races - using this untimed session to have a look at the track and note any re-surfacing that has taken place.Frenchman Marc Dufour was also out on his Voxan café racer, which caused such a stir last year. Look and listen out for number 87 in the Senior Race! Local man Paul Hunt also looked quick on his Suzuki GSXR and Ryan Farquahar wasn't hanging round either, also completing three laps.At the conclusion of the solo class at 7.30 it was the turn of the sidecars, and as previously the newcomers were escorted round by travelling marshals - although there are only three new crews this year there were more like 10 sidecars in this group! After what felt like a lengthy delay, the rest of the sidecars were released, headed as usual by Dave Molyneux with Dan Sayle in the chair. No chance of a sub-20 minute lap tonight but Moly still looked smooth as ever. He was followed closely by the other top local crew, Nick Crowe and Darren Hope, who pulled in for adjustments after 1 lap but returned to the circuit to do a second a short while later.Other slideys out on track included TT veterans Roy Hanks and Dave Wells, going at number 4 this year, and the Lockside racing pairing of Steve Norbury and Andy Smith. Originally Norbury was going to be partnered by Scott Parnell, but an recent injury ruled him out at least for tonight, and possibly for the whole meeting. More news on this whenever I find out! Number 9 Greg Lambert has changed colour scheme and passenger this year, opting for a mustard coloured outfit with Richard Long as passenger. Phil Dongworth and Stuart Castles make a welcome return to the TT and Austrian pairing Klaus Klaffenbock and Christian Parzer also completed two laps. After an impressive debut last year they will be hoping to improve further this time round.There were two minor incidents, which is a low total especially given the conditions. Newcomer Frank Spenner came off his 998 Yamaha at the Waterworks and another newcomer, this time the french sidecar team of Patrick Geffray and Yann Mairot, had a spill at Sulby Bridge. Happily there were no reported injuries in either incident.Next practice is on Monday night, same times as tonight for all classes.

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