Argomenti trattati
Once again, the Isle of Man was graced with glorious sunshine as the riders hit the Mountain Course for the second qualifying session of the 2025 Isle of Man TT Races. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and adrenaline as competitors prepared to showcase their skills and machines on this legendary track.
Leading the charge
Dean Harrison made a strong statement by clocking the fastest time of the day, riding his Honda Racing Superstock bike at an impressive speed of 132.853mph. This was only a fraction off his previous benchmark set earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Davey Todd, representing Monster Energy by 8TEN Racing on his BMW, claimed the top spot in the Superbike category with a notable lap at 132.673mph. It was a competitive atmosphere, with Michael Dunlop riding a Paton, leading the Supersport class at 128.093mph and the Crowe brothers setting a record in the Sidecar category with a stunning 120.202mph lap.
The session unfolds
The session kicked off slightly later than scheduled at 1:20 PM, beginning with the Superbike and Superstock machines. Most riders opted for Superstock bikes, with a few exceptions including notable names such as John McGuinness MBE and Conor Cummins, who chose to race Superbikes. James Hillier from Muc-Off Racing Honda was the first to take off from Glencrutchery Road, closely followed by Dunlop and Cummins, creating a thrilling start to the session.
Dunlop quickly established himself by completing the first lap at 130.225mph. However, Harrison soon took the lead on the Superstock board with an impressive 131.434mph, showcasing the fierce competition between these top riders. Hickman, Dunlop, and Harrison all continued to push their limits, with Todd making the fastest lap of the session on his Superbike at an exhilarating 132.673mph.
Shifting gears
Riders frequently swapped machines after their initial laps, with Todd transitioning to his Superstock bike and Dunlop switching to his Superbike. Harrison and Hickman maintained their pace, but it was Harrison’s second lap that solidified his dominance, reaching 132.853mph on his Superstock bike, edging out Hickman’s performance. This intense back-and-forth created a palpable tension in the air, as spectators eagerly awaited each lap’s results.
Sidecar session excitement
As the Sidecar session commenced, it was clear the Crowes were a force to be reckoned with. They led the field and immediately posted an opening lap of 119.668mph, which was soon followed by a thrilling second lap where they achieved a jaw-dropping 120.202mph. Their performance not only highlighted their skill but also showcased the incredible engineering and teamwork involved in the Sidecar races.
Following them were Birchall/Rosney and Crawford/Hardie, who also delivered commendable performances, but the Crowes were undeniably in a league of their own. The newcomers, Kieran Clarke and Andrew Johnson, made a splash as well, clocking in at 109.354mph, showing that fresh talent is always emerging at this historic event.
Supersport and Supertwin showdown
The excitement continued into the Supersport and Supertwin sessions as they kicked off at 3:00 PM. Peter Hickman, leading the charge, was followed by an impressive lineup of riders, including Josh Brookes and Michael Dunlop. Todd took the early lead in the Supersport category with a lap at 126.852mph, but Dunlop quickly challenged him, showcasing the tight competition.
As the second laps rolled around, significant improvements were seen across the board. Harrison not only topped the Supersport category with a record-breaking 128.093mph but also set the fastest ever qualifying lap for the class. Dunlop, with an impressive showing, managed to steal the spotlight with a standing start lap of 122.159mph, proving his prowess on the track.
The Supertwin class saw Michael Evans making waves with his 120.611mph lap, leading a competitive field that included Browne and Herbertson. Each lap was filled with suspense and excitement, as the riders pushed themselves and their machines to the limit.
Looking forward
The energy of the Isle of Man TT is palpable as riders prepare for the next session. Every lap tells a story of skill, determination, and the relentless pursuit of speed. With the next qualifying session on the horizon, anticipation builds for who will rise to the occasion and leave their mark on this iconic race. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high, making every moment on the Mountain Course unforgettable.