Ha Ha, just came across this. Indeed slower riders did leapfrog faster riders in getting earlier start positions.

In the Superbike Race I had applied for an earlier number but was denied. I'll not go into the details, but if you take a look at who got moved up for the Superbike race and who they ride for and how much they had been paid to come to the TT, a picture starts to emerge.

I believe (and stand to be corrected) that one of these riders hadn't even qualified by the end of practice.....................Edmeades?

So the PR machine was in full flow.

Jim Hodson started behind me and i was 42, what a disgrace given Jim's experience, past results and pedigree, so inevitably he caught and passed me on the road (although we had 2 laps together) I hope I didn't slow him down too much.

I know they can't change evrybody about, otherwise the program becomes a farce, but it was all too obvious from the Superbike race where the changes came from. At least of the trio had the decency to look me in the eye even if a bit embarassed.

Let these decisons be based on performance and merit, not on who is in the "factory" paddock and who is not. We have seen the stark outcome of what happens when PR is allowed precedence over safety!!!!

Gavin