Palmer takes first win of TT 2013 Festival.

Castletown’s fastest fireman and former British 125cc Champion Chris Palmer took his victory tally into double figures when won the 350cc Singles Race; the first of the Pre-Classic meeting at Billown. In the concurrently run 250cc Race Bob Millinship took the honours. The racing was held in perfect conditions; the roads were dry under a clear blue sky.

Pre-race favourite Roy Richardson was a very early retirement at Iron Gate; his sudden slowing caused Palmer to take rapid evasive action. At Church Bends, Palmer had a narrow lead over Bultaco mounted Mike Hose, with Bill Swallow holding third 0.35s astern of Hose. Millinship led the 250cc class from 85 years young Ted Fenwick. At the end of the lap Hose had edged ahead; he held a narrow lead at Church; where Swallow was 2.75s down on the battling duo. Positions were unchanged in the 250cc class; but Keith Shannon was closing on Fenwick.

The battle at the front ended abruptly on the start and finish straight when the Bultaco’s chain snapped. This left Palmer with a comfortable lead over Swallow; a lead that he increased by recording the fastest lap of the race on the third lap. After that he rode to his boards and came home 5.2s clear of Swallow; who was under instruction from son Chris not to damage the Aermacchi. Rich Hawkins had a lonely ride to the third podium place. Behind him Meredydd Owen, Allan Brew and Mark Herbertson put in creditable rides.

Millinship duly completed what was a comfortable win; behind him, Fenwick held on to second until he slowed on the final lap; allowing both Shannon and Ian Ward to pass and secure the podium places.

Office Equipment Centre Singles Race

350cc
1. Chris Palmer 349 AJS 7R 85.009mph
2. Bill Swallow 344 Aermacchi 84.602mph
3. Rich Hawkins 349 Ducati 82.563.mph

250cc

1. Bob Millinship 249 Caffrey Ducati 75.349mph
2. Keith Shannon 250 Cotton Telstar 74.424mph
3. Ian Ward 247 Apex Ducati 74.372mph


The first of the Sidecar races saw Lenny Pallister / Ian Marriner grab the early lead on their NRE Triumph. Their lead over Mike Bellaby / Karl Underwood was just 5 metres as they skirted the walls of the S bend at Malew Church. The BMW of Bellaby proved the faster on the flat out run into Castletown and it was Bellaby who led at the end of the first lap. Third place was held by Andrew Bailey / Ian Beaumont on their immaculate Bellas BMW. Pallister was faster on the twisty section of the course and he led by 2.7s as he powered away towards Great Meadow for the second time. This time the BMW’s power was not enough and Pallister held his lead as third lap began. It was not to be his day; as he turned on the power to exit Church Bends the outfit slewed across the road and into the air fence. The cause of this proved to be a punctured rear tyre. The marshals reacted rapidly; having the waved yellow flags out instantly to warn the following outfits of the danger. Seconds later the red flag was displayed to bring the race to a premature end. Fortunately both driver and passenger appeared to need nothing more than a precautionary check up at Nobles Hospital.

Their misfortune gifted victory to Bellaby /Underwood. Bailey / Beaumont took second; with the final step of the podium going to a very surprised newcomers’ pairing of Andi and Beate Rolli from Switzerland.

Sidecar Race 1

1. Mike Bellaby / Karl Underwood 1040 BMW 78.080mph
2. Andrew Bailey / Ian Beaumont 900 Bellis BMW 74.175mph
3. Andi Rolli / Beate Rolli 900 Weslake Triumph 69.333mph


Richard Radcliffe