Is the Island Cursed?

Wednesday nights practice was scrapped at 3 pm on Wednesday afternoon due to the impending poor weather about to hit the Island. A fine but cloudy day turned into a lashing for the Island which went on through the night. Thursday dawned wet and the proposed afternoon practice was cancelled at 11:30 am.

The Classic Junior and Senior machines along with the MGP Lightweight and Ultra-lightweight bikes haven't turned a wheel in anger so far; so disappointing for the riders concerned. Spare a thought for newcomer David Stiff who still needs to complete his untimed speed controlled lap after breaking down on Saturday evening.

The man, a company director, who was caught driving on closed roads on Tuesday evening has been bailed to appear in court on 17th October, he pleaded not guilty. The incident at Laurel Bank, during TT week, where marshals were threatened by a man carrying an axe has now been to court. The defendant, who suffers from mental health issues, was handed a suspended sentence and ordered tp pay £125 prosecution costs.

The footbridge connecting Nobles Park to the other side of the Glencrutchery road has been deemed unsafe and is closed for public use. A new bridge is planned to be in place before TT 2020.

Nathan Harrison, who was second in the MGP Junior practice held on Monday evening found his 600cc Honda heavier than his Suzuki and suffered arm pump on his second circuit. Nathan is a recipiant of a Hailwood Foundation award, I was asked by Dave Ronan of the Hailwood Foundation to take some photographs of their riders, Nathan, Brad Vicars and Stephen Parsons. Bruce Anstey very kindly photo bombed the shot much to everyone's amusement, he ran off laughing!! It is good to see him in such high spirits.

The Classic TT entertainment starts on Friday with No Limit being shown on the big screen at the back of the Grandstand. Charlie Williams is due to have his chat show at 1:30 pm and at ":45pmon the main stage. If he goes ahead he will be competing with the afternoon's practice session that has been rescheduled from Thursday. Charlie will also be doing book signings over the weekend for his autobiography 'C.W It was 'The best of Times'. It's a must for all enthusiasts, Charlie has an encyclopaedic memory and is a great narrator.

The Douglas promenade upgrade is still in progress and has been beset with some issues with the service cracking. The Government have offered businesses that have been adversley affected by the disruption a one off payment of £6,000, this is subject to certain conditions. The business owners have been reported to say that it is too little and too late.

The TT and now the Festival of Motorcycling have been blighted with postponements and cancellations, surely but surely it cannot last!!

Photographs.

Hailwood Foundation being photo bombed by Bruce Anstey: left to right, Jim Hunter, Stephen Parsons (seated), Bruce Anstey, Brad Vicars, Nathan Harrison, Dave Ronan and Jim's daughter

John McBride, ex traveling marshal and now a committee member of the Manx Motorcycle Club

Forest Dunn's awning

James Hillier's Oxford Racing 888 Ducati / Louigi Moto

Warming up Dean Harrison's Laylaw Racing 250 Honda.


Mike Hammonds
 

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