The newcomers times have been good this year and I think Paul and his team of selectors have generally done a good job with their selections. We must though however put the times into context with the race winning times. Back in 1990 when Hizzy did 120mph, a newcomer who did 105mph was 15 mph off the pace, so to speak, but a lap of 105 mph was seen as reasonable and so it should. But now if a newcomer does 115mph it is seen as remarkable when in real terms its still 15mph of the pace.
So the general times are still in persepective, but I think given the fact that Steve Plater has done over 125mph as a newcomer that surely makes him the best newcomer this year?
His time has nothing to do with having a quicker bike than some of the lesser known riders as we've seen the superbikes are not any quicker than the superstockers, they just handle better and either bike in the hands of a newcomer will be virtually the same. He would also have had alot more pressure on his shoulders than lesser known riders simply due to who he is, not pressure applied by teams, or himself or the spectators but pressure of thinking that everyone will expect him to go well. This pressure would have made it harder for him.
So in my opinion it is Steve Platers pure determination, grit,ability and want to suceed that has made him achieve this time.
Well done to all competitors this year for what seemed from Nottingham and my limited access to have been a fantastic event, albeit without any 2 strokes :wink:
Cheers
Russ