After kicking their heels in the paddock for two days with weather affecting the schedule, competitors finally got back on track at the 2019 Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts
However, an earlier road traffic incident meant that the start of the session was delayed to 19.35 and only the first block - the Senior and Junior Classic TT competitors – went out. With rain falling, Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson declared it an untimed session with riders advised to ‘ride to the conditions’.
With only a lap available for fading light, a number of the leading riders elected to go out on their 500cc machines ahead of Saturday’s opening race – the Bennetts Senior Classic TT - including 2018 race winner John McGuinness on Roger Winfield’s Paton, James Hillier on the CSC Racing Honda, Lee Johnston (Davies Motorsport Honda), and Jamie Coward (Ted Woof Norton).
Ian Lougher also went out on his Senior machine but was a retirement at Ramsey. Michael Rutter elected to go out on his Junior machine – the 350cc Ripley Land Racing Matchless.
Gary Thompson had already confirmed the additional Friday afternoon session due to the time lost earlier in the week and the schedule for tomorrow (Friday 23 August) is now:
12.30: Roads close around the Course
13.00: Classic TT Senior and Junior qualifying
14.30: Classic TT Superbike and Lightweight qualifying
16.30: Roads open around the Course
18.00: Roads close around the Course
18.20: Classic TT Senior and Junior qualifying
19.15: Classic TT Superbike and Lightweight and MGP Qualifying
21.00: All roads open around the Course