The Billown Circuit was dry; there was intermittent sunshine; a fairly stiff breeze was the only problem for the riders as the 70th Anniversary Southern 100 fired into life.
The Newcomers were first on track for their sighting laps; the revised procedure making it safer. Craig Kennelly was the first rider on track; followed by David Rigby. Notable amongst them was former Irish Champion Brian McCormack; it is so long since he was last here that he has to wear the newcomers’ bib. Carl Fenwick / Jake Roberts led the sidecar newcomers.
Following that the Superbikes were out; they were spectacular; no hint of settling in for these riders. From the outside of the track Castletown Corner; the final corner, looks quite slow; from the inside a whole new perspective opens up; these guys are rapid. The sidecars are even faster than the solos and quite a sight.
Davey Todd led the field in the Superbike session; followed by locals Nathan Harrison and Marcus Simpson. It was good to see Jamie Coward back on track; a little further back came Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop MBE; Michael often waits to start last in practice sessions. Notably fast amongst the newcomers was Kevin Keyes; he lapped at 101.9mph on his final lap. The action was excellent; with some nice overtakes to keep the crowd interested.
It was Todd who topped the speeds at 113.995mph; Nathan Harrison, Michael Dunlop, Dean Harrison, Michael Sweeney (bang on form on the Irish roads) and Rob Hodson were the fastest six.
Next out were the Lightweights (Supertwins). Here Rob Hodson continued his form from last year to top the speed chart at 104.077mph on his Paton. Davey Todd (Paton), Paul Jordan (Aprilia), Joe Yeardsley (Aprilia), Michael Sweeney (Aprilia) and Marcus Simpson (Kawasaki) were the fastest six. Best newcomer was Daniel Pearson in 17th.
Next on track were the white plated Supersport machines; generally, these are the riders considered likely to make up the B race contenders. Nathan Harrison was allowed out with them and was easily the fastest at 105.609mph. Fastest of the white plate riders was newcomer David Rigby at 101.284mph; experienced local Jamie Williams was third at 100.351mph. Newcomer Andy Smart, Aran Sadler and Rad Hughes completed the top 6.
Next out were the yellow plated A race contenders. Davey Todd, Paul Jordan and Nathan Harrison led the charge. There was some fine action for the spectators to watch as the packed field of 34 streamed past. Last on the track was Michael Dunlop on his Ducati Panagale. On the fourth lap an incident at Stadium brought out the red flag. The rider, Yann Galli, was stabilised at the scene and taken to Nobles Hospital for treatment. He was subsequently transferred to a UK hospital where his condition is stable and comfortable; hopefully he will make a speedy recovery. Most of the top riders had completed their 4th lap when the session was stopped. Davey Todd set the standard at 109.160mph. Paul Jordan was next at 108.459mph. Nathan Harrison; Mike Browne; Michael Sweeney and Rob Hodson completed the top 6. Kevin Keyes was impressive; his best lap was at 103.502mph.
The long delay whilst the incident was dealt with meant that the scheduled second sessions for the Superbikes and Lightweights were cancelled; leaving the Sidecars to complete the evening’s action. Their speed through the corner is a real eye opener. First on the road was the Pete Founds / Jevan Walmsley pairing; on Alan founds’ outfit. Lee Crawford / Scott Hardie were next; then its was Ryan and Callum Crowe and they were absolutely flying. It was good to see Tim Reeves back at Billown; he has a new passenger; Kevin Kolsch in the chair. Veteran Tony Baker; champion back in 1982 showed that class is forever with some impressive driving. Ryan and Callum Crowe did just 3 laps but topped the speeds at 99.828mph. Founds /Walmsley; Crawford / Hardie; Reeves / Kolsch; Greg Lambert / Andrew Haynes and Darren Hope / Lenny Bumfrey were the six fastest crews at the end of the session.
©Words/Images by our man on the Island – Richard Radcliffe
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