TT starts with 186mph

British Supersport rider Ian Hutchinson recorded an unofficial time of 186mph through the Sulby Straight on the Isle of Man TT course in the first practice session on Saturday evening.

Hutchinson got his first chance to officially see the course in the untimed session, which was initially led by Scotland’s Keith Amor and England’s Steve Plater.

The pair were followed by another 12 rookies to the event in a controlled lap behind the travelling marshal.

Sweden’s Christer Miinen immediately stopped in the pits before eventually getting a controlled lap in later on in the session.

Gary Carswell (Bolliger Kawasaki) and Ian Lougher (Stobart Honda) led out the main practice. Spectators were also treated to the first sight of the returning Michael Rutter on MSS Discovery Kawasaki. 

Later on in the session Roy Hanks and Dave Wells led out the sidecars with Klaus Klaffenboch registering the fastest time through Sulby at 145mph.

A total of 189 machines were scrutineered, consisting of  58 Superbikes, 29 Supersports, four Senior, 34 Superstock and 64 sidecars.

Conditions for the first practice were fine and dry although there was light rain on the mountain between the Ramsay Hairpin and Goosneck. 

A Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster all flew over Douglas Bay during the session as part of a Battle of Britain memorial.