Steve Plater completed a further four laps of the 37.73-mile mountain road circuit, two on the Superstock bike and two on the Supersport and reported all was fine with both machines.

He went out on the Padgett’s Honda Fireblade in the Superstock practice first and posted a couple of strong laps, the best giving him a lap time of 18m 12.11s – 124.372mph which was the sixth fastest time of the evening.

He then hopped onto the HM Plant Honda Supersport 600 bike and shot off to take in a further two laps where he posted a fast time of 18m 42.62s – 120.992mph to put him into fifth place in that class on the night.

The Woodhall Spa star said: “We were warned before we set off to take extra care at Ballaugh as the hot weather has caused the tarmac to melt on the approach to the bridge.

“But everything went fine; I am riding the Padgett’s Honda in the Superstock class but still under the banner of HM Plant Honda.

“Like most other riders I am suffering from blisters on my hands, it’s a TT thing, we are on the bike so long and on public roads the friction over the bumps does cause a few problems – but nothing I can’t handle.

“The bikes are all running well and I am now getting to grips with the course again. I am a lot happier and now know where I am going and feel more comfy on the bike. I seem to be getting dialled in to the TT circuit as opposed to the short circuit so that’s a big help.

“Apart from the racing I am doing loads of PR with the HM Plant Honda team. It is nice to be able to meet the public, listen to their views and answer any questions they may ask.”

Hopefully the weather will hold for tonight’s practice, the forecast is good and also looking promising for the weekend.


There will be a further update on Steve’s practice on Thursday.

Pic credit Mark Walters