Padgetts Honda’s Bruce Anstey topped the Superbike leaderboard at the end of this evening’s practice session, setting a 129.212mph flying lap with Michael Dunlop in second place as Ian Hutchinson retired the Tyco BMW at Governor’s Dip.
Anstey tried a new shock in the rear of the exotic RC213V-S and said in parc ferme that it felt better than Tuesday night. Dunlop set a 128.576 as his quickest, from a standing start, and both the Irishman and the Kiwi were both faster with their next quickest laps than veteran Michael Rutter in third.
The Bathams/SMT man put in a 127.390 lap from a standing start with JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Hillier in fourth with a 127.308mph. Conor Cummins ended in fifth on a 127.227, just ahead of Silicone Kawasaki’s Dean Harrison who crossed the line with a 127.302.
Peter Hickman did one lap on his Superbike to set a 126.978 for seventh with Lee Johnston’s Superstock-spec BMW in eighth on a 126.662. William Dunlop set a 126.011 on his R1 with Dan Kneen and Gary Johnson completing the top ten.
Both Nortons retired on their first lap. David Johnson ground to a halt at Barregarrow while Josh Brookes’ chain snapped at Ballaugh Bridge. Guy Martin is well off the pace at 123.112mph.
