Conditions for the final full practice
session of the 2009 Manx Grand Prix were forecast as
dry and sunny, but very windy on the Mountain. Lack
of adhesion flags would be displayed where necessary
due to wet roads.
Phil Taubman, Clerk of the Course requested riders
to ride within their capabilities and to concentrate
on getting qualifying laps in rather than speed in this
final session.
Scheduled to be first away were the Classic, Post Classic,
Ultra Lightweight and Newcomers B, who got away at 1822
and headed by the Ultra Lightweight machines of Dave
Moffitt and Brian Purdy. Brian Purdy was first through
the Sulby Speed Trap 137.50mph, whilst back on Glencrutchery
Road riders were still being flagged away. First to
complete a lap was Dave Moffitt with a lap of 100.233mph,
closely followed by Purdy who was fractionally slower
at 99.867mph.
Most riders were content on completing one lap, although
the hardy few went for a second lap, despite the overcast
skies and darkening cloud cover.
As the Senior, Junior, Lightweight and Newcomers A
were preparing for the off, a shower of rain caused
a flurry of activity as waiting riders and pit crew
sought cover or clung together under umbrellas. The
rain somewhat decimated the numbers in Pit Lane, taking
the decision to return to the Paddock and forego the
chance of a lap. Those that decided to practise started
from Pit Lane at 1915. Ryan Kneen was first to complete
a lap on his Junior machine at 98.947mph, followed by
fellow Junior competitor Noel Patterson.
In all a total of 312 machines passed through Technical
Inspection: Senior Classic: 35, Junior Classic: 44,
Senior: 25, Junior: 79, Lightweight / Ultra Lightweight:
71, Newcomers: 38, Post Classic: 20
The Chequered flag was displayed to all riders at 2005;
bring an end to the final qualifying session of the
2009 Manx Grand Prix. As last night conditions dictated
lap speeds as is shown in the quickest laps this evening.
Junior Classic/ Bill Swallow / 92.465mph
Lightweight Classic / Peter Symes / 87.457
Senior Classic / Olie Linsdell / 101.965
Newcomers B / Andy Lawson / 96.969
Ultra Lightweight / Dave Moffitt / 100.233
Junior / Stephen McIlvenna / 108.335
Lightweight / Dan Sayle / 99.587
Newcomers A / Leo Fitzgerald / 99.257
Senior / Stephen McIlvenna / 108.335
Five incidents were reported during the evening, Paul
Johnson was off at the Bungalow, Wayne Kirwan at Windy,
whilst both Paul Noble and Leo Fitzgerald were off at
Governor’s in separate incidents – all OK.
Ryan Farquhar came off at Guthrie’s and was Air
Med to Nobles as a precaution, but has since been discharged.
|
