The
scene is set and the waiting is over – TT2008 is here. The opening
practice session takes place on Saturday evening and with fine
weather on The isle of Man, all of the riders will be hoping to get
a good few laps under their belt. Indeed, good weather is forecast
for the next few days so everyone will be eager to make it count as
they seek to find the optimum set up for their machines. The
sessions should also see the newcomers take advantage of the good
conditions and help their learning process.
Despite some high speed shenanigans, that saw overshoots, spills and
off track excursions aplenty, all of the leading contenders emerged
from the recent North West 200 meeting unscathed and come into the
TT ready for battle.
John McGuinness, Guy Martin (who remarkably walked away from a
100mph get-off at Black Hill in Ireland), Cameron Donald and Bruce
Anstey all scored podiums at the annual prelude to the TT and there
was certianly little between any of them there. Martin, in
particular, looked very strong on the Superbike and it could well be
his year but, if he is to take his first win, he has to topple
McGuinness. With 10 wins in the last 4 years, the Morecambe man
seems unstoppable and he will hope for more of the same on his
Padgett’s Honda’s.
Ian Hutchinson has work to do after the North West 200 and he’s on
the back foot when it comes to the Superbike but, already a winner
at the TT, he is sure to make good progress during practice week and
ensure he is ready on race day. Team-mate Steve Plater was the Man
of the Meeting at the North West but, still only in his second year
on the Island, he will be concentrating on improving rather than
tearing up the record books.
Ryan Farquhar dramatically split from the McAdoo Kawasaki team
earlier this week whilst Adrian Archibald didn’t enjoy the happiest
of North West meetings but both will fancy their chances this week
and certainly can’t be ruled out. Meanwhile, Keith Amor and Gary
Johnson were revelations last week and they could well spring a few
surprises over the next fortnight.
Ian Lougher, Conor Cummins, Carl Rennie, James McBride, Jimmy Moore,
Dan Stewart and Mark Miller are just other names to keep an eye on
whilst many eyes will be on the first appearance of Jamie Robinson.
The former British Champion’s debut has sparked much discussion but,
lining up for the vastly experienced Padgett’s team, he has the
ideal support to help him on his way.
The Sidecars also get their first taste of the Mountain Course on
Saturday and the recent Jurby road meeting saw Nick Crowe get the
better of Dave Molyneux but will the same happen in a few days time?
The two Manxmen are sure to be fighting it out at the head of the
field but strong challenges will also come from John Holden, Steve
Norbury, Klaus Klaffenbock, Simon Neary and Nigel Connole, to name
just a few. Meanwhile, Tim Reeves was also in action at Jurby and
the World Champion impressed greatly with a stunning third place so
all eyes will now be on his TT debut.
Simon Crellin: TT2008 press office
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