2017 Isle of Man TT Photo Gallery Day 2

Wednesday morning on the Isle of Man began with crystal clear skies, but by noon Gary Thompson the Clerk of Course was already developing contingency plans for the forecast evening weather.

As the clouds lowered over the mountain portion of the course the decision was made to proceed with the practice with the possibility of red flagging the riders at the Ramsey Hairpin and then riding in as a group. The initial riders were able to complete a full lap with Ian Hutchinson on his TYCO BMW turning in the top time of the week at 128.98 mph with Michael Dunlop on his Bennetts Suzuki at 127.23 mph.

In less than a minute after screaming down Bray Hill there is a hard right turn at Quarter Bridge, turning west to Braden Bridge and Ballagarey.

Michael Rutter and Martin Jessopp set almost identical lap times at 123.96 and 123.94 respectively, having set off together whilst James Hillier was slightly quicker at 124.52 mph.

Bruce Anstey completed his first lap of the week on the Honda RC211V, lapping at 124.14mph, with Conor Cummins and Gary Johnson also above the 124mph mark. However, the third quickest lap of the night came from Dan Kneen on his DTR powered by Penz 13 BMW, who posted a speed of 125.19, which saw him again top the Superstock class as he had the previous evening.

Unfortunately on the second lap the weather closed in and most riders were red flagged and led in at a controlled speed.