IOMTT: Inaugural Classic TT Gets Underway

, the sound of which was memorably described by Manx Radio TT commentator Roy Moore as 'the Italian National Anthem', alongside Classic machines from the Japanese manufacturers, while a number of Nortons and a few Triumphs ensured that the high profile British manufacturers earlier machines were also represented.

Oil on the track at Greeba Bridge and Barregarrow delayed the start of the Classic session, and ultimately resulted in the Classic riders only getting a single practice lap, although some of the riders went out earlier in the MGP session. The Classic only practice eventually got underway shortly before 8pm with riders warned that there would be lack of adhesion flags displayed at the oil spills.

A number of the leading TT riders took to the track for their first experience of Classic Racing on the Mountain Course in the un-timed session including Bruce Anstey on the McIntosh Norton, Cameron Donald on the Matchless, Ian Lougher on the Royal Enfield, Conor Cummins on Tony Dunnells Manx Norton, Steve Mercer and Dan Cooper representing the Yamaha Classic Race Team while experienced Classic Racer Olie Linsdell was also prominent on the Giovanni Cabassi Paton.

Gary Johnson went out on a 1250 'Harris' and also got out on his Lincs Lifting MV Agusta, while Nick Jefferies, the '93 Formula One TT race winner, also returned to the Mountain Course for the first time since 2002, riding a Honda.