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Stunning speeds in Thursday's practice session

Thursday 31 May 2007
TT
John Crellins machine after hitting a seagull

While conditions for the penultimate practice session of the Centenary TT were ideal, the session was delayed as the three emergency helicopters had been in action dealing with incidents on the TT Course prior to the roads closing.

Meanwhile the Pit Lane was filling up as the Sidecar crews brought their outfits into ‘Parc Ferme’ after scrutineering in readiness for their last but one practice.

Michael Rutter and Adrian Archibald get the delayed Thursday evening session underway at 18:41. Ian Hutchinson was quickest through the Sulby speed trap on the opening lap at 185.900mph.

McGuinness completed the opening lap first at 127.091mph, but teammate Hutchinson soon went quicker, at 127.435mph. Ian Lougher and Guy Martin also lap at 127mph-plus.

Next time McGuinness recorded a remarkable 129.084mph, while Hutchinson did 127.547mph and Martin 128.166mph, with Lougher on 128.140mph.

McGuinness then took out his Superstock Honda, getting round at 122.629mph. Martin Finnegan lapped at 124.093mph on the Superstock MV Agusta.

It was an incredible session for Steve Plater, who became the fastest newcomer around the TT course, with a lap of 119.301mph on his AIM Yamaha Superbike. He later improved his speed to 121.384mph.

Dave Molyneux and Rick Long got the penultimate Sidecar practice session underway, followed by Nick Crowe and Daniel Sayle.

Crowe and Sayle were shown at 142.800mph through the speed trap on the way to a 114.125mph lap. Moly’s opening lap was 110.731mph, and he went on to complete the next circuit at 111.874mph.

There was drama for Manxman John Crellin, who collected a seagull during his lap and brought it back to Douglas, jammed between the fairing and the front forks!

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