Steve Plater began his Isle of Man TT campaign on Saturday when he interrupted his weekend of racing at Thruxton in the British Supersport championship to fly over to the island in time to take part in the first evening practice session.


Although the session was untimed the Woodhall Spa ace was the second fastest rider though the Sulby straight speed trap with a blistering speed of 185.9mph.

Conditions were perfect on the island and Steve was greeted by blue skies and warm sun. Steve got his first taste of action shortly after 7pm when he took the HM Plant Honda Superbike out for a blast around the 37.73-mile TT course. He completed four laps of the gruelling mountain road course and was clocked through the Sulby Straight speed trap at 183.9mph.

“I enjoyed my first practice,” said the ever-smiling Steve Plater. “Conditions were near enough perfect except for the abundance of flies and bugs that attached themselves to the bike and my visor. It was also a bit dusty out there and as the evening wore on, the sun became a bit of a problem in places, as it was very low in the sky. Apart from that, the bike ran well and it was a successful first test.”

After a welcome night’s sleep Plater headed back to Thruxton where he arrived well in time for morning warm up. He completed the 10-minute session in fourth place ahead of Sunday’s 16-lap race that he finished in second place.



Pic credit Stephen Davison Pacemaker Press Intl