Argomenti trattati
In a spectacular display of speed and skill, Dean Harrison notched the fastest lap during the initial timed Superbike qualifying session for the illustrious Isle of Man TT. The Honda Racing rider clocked a remarkable 133.069 mph on his second lap, leaving competitors trailing behind. This impressive feat not only highlights Harrison’s prowess but also marks the fastest recorded speed in the opening qualifying session in TT history.
Qualification breakdown
Harrison’s performance was particularly striking as he outpaced Peter Hickman, who managed a respectable 131.076 mph on his 8Ten Racing BMW. The gap of 15.5 seconds between the two riders speaks volumes about Harrison’s command of the track, especially under the perfect racing conditions that graced the event. It’s clear that the 36-year-old racer, now in his second season with Honda, is eager to add to his impressive tally of three TT victories—his latest win dating back to 2019.
Following Harrison and Hickman, the leaderboard saw Davey Todd claiming third place with a speed of 130.402 mph on his BMW. Not to be overlooked, the legendary Michael Dunlop, a record 29-time TT winner, secured the fourth position with a lap speed of 129.975 mph on his Rokit BMW. This lineup of skilled riders promises an exhilarating competition ahead.
Category highlights
In addition to the Superbike category, the Superstock leaderboard showcased notable performances as well. Davey Todd led the charge with a speed of 131.231 mph, while Harrison followed closely behind at 131.098 mph. Dunlop, again, demonstrated his talent, finishing third at 130.387 mph. Todd’s recent Superstock victory in 2024 adds an exciting layer of anticipation as he aims to replicate that success.
The Supersport category saw Michael Dunlop emerge as the fastest rider on his Ducati V2, clocking in at 127.181 mph. Harrison, not far behind, recorded a speed of 126.436 mph. The competition is heating up, with riders like James Hillier and Davey Todd also showing promising results.
Sidecars and Supertwins
The Supertwins division was led by Rob Hodson on his Paton, who recorded a speed of 119.521 mph. However, Michael Dunlop kept the pressure on, finishing just behind at 119.068 mph. The sidecar category featured Ryan and Callum Crowe, leading the pack at 118.797 mph before the session was cut short due to low cloud cover, which rolled in after just one lap.
As the qualifying sessions continue, excitement builds for the upcoming races. Scheduled for Thursday and Friday, these sessions will further test the riders’ limits and set the stage for the first Supersport event on Saturday. The initial untimed practice on Tuesday faced challenges due to damp conditions across the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, highlighting the unpredictable nature of racing at the Isle of Man.
Rider performance summary
Here’s a quick look at the standout performances from the qualifying sessions:
- Superbikes: Dean Harrison (Honda) 133.069 mph
- Superstocks: Davey Todd (BMW) 131.231 mph
- Supersports: Michael Dunlop (Ducati) 127.181 mph
- Supertwins: Rob Hodson (Paton) 119.521 mph
- Sidecars: Ryan and Callum Crowe (Honda) 118.797 mph
The Isle of Man TT continues to be a battleground of speed and skill, where the best riders in the world come to push the limits of their machines and themselves. With the competition heating up, the upcoming sessions promise even more excitement, and fans are eagerly waiting to see who will seize glory this year.