
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company & Ellan Vannin Fuels Senior Race
In sunshine; the it was time for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company & Ellan Vannin Fuels Senior Race, and it provided the same close racing throughout the field that the 600 A Race had. Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd (from 8th on the grid) led the closely packed field as they rounded Ballabeg Hairpin for the first time. Jamie Coward, Dean Harrison, Rob Hodson and the soon to retire Mike Browne completed the top 6. On lap 2, Dunlop and Todd had opened a 50m gap over Harrison and Coward. They had a similar advantage over Dom Herbertson (set to retire on lap 5) and Rob Hodson. Dunlop and Todd continued to increase their advantage over their pursuers; both lapping consistently at over 114mph. Dunlop set the best lap on lap 4 at 114.774mph. The demise of Herbertson on lap 5 promoted Paul Jordan to 6th. Dunlop led at Ballabeg on lap 6; he was baulked slightly whilst lapping a slower rider and this allowed Todd to lead at Cross Four Ways. Todd was himself baulked going into Iron Gate, this allowed to Dunlop to retake a lead that he would not relinquish. Michael took his 25th win by a margin of just 0.073s. Erno Kostamo rode superbly to be best newcomer in 11th.
Words: Richard Radcliffe
Image: Callum Staley