Not withstanding the Manx weather interupting practice. How is a Classic newcomer ever going to qualify?

Unless he is an extremely quick learner or a very quick rider then he is likely to risk all trying to qualify. How can that make it safer?

I don't think that there are many newcomers that can put in a 90+ lap in their first year.

With the Paton and MV up to 20mph faster along the Sulby Straight than the quickest Manx ridden by one of the top riders, then lesser mortals will struggle to qualify.

Fortunately last year's third place man Wattie, was slow enough to give others a chance.

But if it was like the year before then the grid of 40 starters would have been reduced to just 22 riders.