2016 Isle of Man TT Practice Results, Thursday, June 2
For the second-straight day of 2016 Isle of Man TT qualifying, 11-time TT winner Michael Dunlop dominated the 37.73-mile Mountain Course. The BMW S1000RR pilot was the first to break 131mph on Wednesday, and the first – and only – to break 132mph on Thursday.
The conditions were perfect around the entire Mountain Course for Thursday evening practice. Dunlop capitalized on the clear weather to earn the top times in the Superbike and Superstock classes. In Superbike, the Ulsterman piloted his Hawk Racing BMW to a quickest average lap of 132.36mph; in Superstock, Dunlop posted a 131.336mph aboard the MD Racing BMW, a new unofficial record in Superstock.
Next up in the Superbike class was the man who led Monday and Tuesday practices – 11-time winner Ian Hutchinson. And “Hutchy” was on yet another BMW, the Tyco BMW S1000RR. The Brit stopped the clocks at 131.661mph. BMW S1000RR machinery led every Superbike session so far during practice so far for the 2016 TT.
John McGuinnes was third quickest aboard his Honda Racing CBR1000RR SP Fireblade. The 23-TT winner, who continues to chase the late Joey Dunlop’s record of 26 TT wins, posted a best lap of 131.116mph. he was followed closely by teammate Conor Cummins (129.986mph) and Silicone Engineering Kawasaki’s Dean Harrison (129.968).
Rounding out the top 10 were Quattro Plant Kawasaki’s James Hillier (128.555); East Coast BMW’s Lee Johnston (128.342); Bathams SMT BMW’s Michael Rutter (128.340); Norton Motorcycles’ David Johnson (128.323); and IC Racing Yamaha’s William Dunlop (128.000).
Valvoline Racing by Padgett’s Motorcycles Bruce Anstey, who will pilot an RC213V-S MotoGP replica during the 2016 Isle of Man TT, finished 12th in Superbike with a 127.787mph.
The IOM TT reports that Anstey had crashed Keppel Gate. Although he was reported to be unhurt, he was flown to the hospital for a precautionary check over. He is expected to line up in Friday’s final qualifying session ahead of Saturday’s opening RST Superbike TT.
In Superstock, Dunlop was followed by Bathams SMT Racing’s Michael Rutter, who posted a quickest lap time of 127.815mph. The top five in Superstock Isle of Man TT qualifying was completed by Devitt Race Express Racing Kawasaki’s Ivan Lintin (127.765); RTR & JVC Racing Kawasaki’s Daniel Hegarty (126.971); and Jackson Racing Honda’s Steve Mercer (126.946).
In the Supersport class, East Coast Construction Triumph’s Lee Johnston topped the time sheets with a 124.838mph, followed by Team Traction Control’s Ian Hutchinson (124.223) and Jackson Racing Honda’s John McGuinness (123.478).
In Lighweight TT qualifying, Bathams SMT Racing Kawasaki’s Michael Rutter led with 118.054mph. He was followed by CCM Motorsport Paton’s Stefano Bonetti (116.220) and KMR Kawaskai’s Danny Webb (116.140).
Another round of qualifying gets underway at 6:20 p.m. Friday, ahead of the opening RST Superbike race (six laps) Saturday.
For additional information, visit Ultimate MotorCycling’s Isle of Man TT page.
2016 Isle of Man TT Thursday Qualifying, June 3 – Photo Gallery
