Any hopes that Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider Guy Martin had of claiming his maiden TT win were dashed when he retired in today's Dainese Senior TT on lap three. After the disappointment of retiring in Saturday's Superbike TT when well in command, the 26 year old from Kirmington in Lincolnshire was hoping for a change of fortune on the Shaun Muir Racing Honda CBR1000 Fireblade and traded blows in the leading group on the opening lap held in perfect conditions.
Final preparations are underway for the opening race of the 2008 Isle of Man TT festival and both Steve Plater and Ian Hutchinson have completed their practice and are ready for Saturday’s first race, the Dainese TT Superbike event to be run over six laps of the 37.73-mile mountain course. Practice was not straightforward for either rider who both had problems with set up in the early sessions. But after sitting out Tuesday and Wednesday because of the poor weather conditions the sun returned to greet the riders for the final two night’s of practice.