Dunlop sets pace in Classic TT practice

Michael Dunlop set a fast opening pace in qualifying for the Classic TT last night (Mon)

The split session saw the F1 and F2 machines on track first shortly before 6.40pm, led away by TT Rider Liaison Officer John Barton on his ZXR 750 Kawasaki

Dunlop, last year's F1 Race winner on the Team Classic Suzuki, had an opening lap of 117.191mph.

Teammate in the F1 class, Lee Johnson, was well up the board with a lap of 116.09mph.

John McGuinness clocked an opening lap of just under 105mph on the Team Winfield Paton in the 500cc session . . . and the evening also saw eight-time TT race winner Charlie Williams' first competitive Mountain Course lap since 1984.

John Barton was reported to have sustained a broken collarbone following an incident at the Creg Ny Baa while Ryan Farquhar, David Burrell, Alec Whitwell and Jared Heath all came off at Governors but all were OK.

Meanwhile, qualifying finally got underway for the IMGold Manx Grand Prix shortly after 6.40pm

Rob Hodson, from the Wigan racing dynasty, topped the board with 115.342 on his Junior machine.

In the Newcomers A session, 16 riders passed the magic 100mph lap on their opening attempt with Manxman Billy Redmayne at 108.260 topping the board.

Neil Chadwick was reported to have a broken collar bone in an incident at the start line while Marc Livesey was taken by airmed to Nobles Hospital with shoulder and rib injuries following an accident at Kerrowmoar. Newcomer Frederic Besnard was also taken by airmed with a reported head injury following an incident at Sarah's Cottage.