Superbike and Superstock: Harrison and Todd in the lead
The session began at 13:20 with the Superbike and Superstock classes. Many of the top riders opted for their Superstock bikes again, with exceptions such as John McGuinness MBE, Davey Todd, James Hillier and Conor Cummins, who were on Superbikes.
Fastest laps and position changes
Michael Dunlop was the first rider to complete a flying lap – at 130.225 mph (209.6 km/h) on his BMW. But Dean Harrison was the first to set the fastest mark in the Superstock category with 131.434 mph (211.5 km/h), followed by Peter Hickman with 130.797 mph (210.4 km/h). Davey Todd dominated the Superbike category with a strong run of 132.673 mph (213.6 km/h). He was followed by Cummins (129.059 mph / 207.7 km/h) and Shaun Anderson (128.991 mph / 207.6 km/h).
After the first run, some riders changed their bikes. Todd switched to his Superstock bike, while Dunlop chose the Superbike. Harrison improved to 132.853 mph (213.8 km/h) – the fastest Superstock lap of the day. Hickman improved to 132.290 mph (212.9 km/h), Cummins managed 131.027 mph (210.9 km/h) and Hutchinson achieved his fastest run since 2022 with 129.756 mph (208.8 km/h).
Nathan Harrison broke the 130 mph barrier for the first time with 130.172 mph (209.5 km/h) – but unofficially. New Zealander Mitch Rees shone with an increase to 123.738 mph (199.1 km/h). Todd (128.145 mph / 206.2 km/h) and Dunlop (127.781 mph / 205.6 km/h) fell short of their potential, which could indicate technical problems.
Sidecar: Record-breaking – the Crowes impress again
Ryan and Callum Crowe confirmed their exceptional position in the Sidecar category. They achieved 119.668 mph (192.5 km/h) on the very first lap and went one better with 120.202 mph (193.4 km/h) – just under their personal record of 120.335 mph (193.6 km/h).
The Crowes were followed by Founds/Walmsley with 116.638 mph (187.7 km/h). Other top teams were Crawford/Hardie (114.527 mph / 184.3 km/h), Ellis/Clement (111.641 mph / 179.7 km/h) and Clarke/Johnson (110.337 mph / 177.5 km/h). The fastest newcomer team was Clarke/Johnson with 109.354 mph (176 km/h), followed by Holden/Wilkes (107.973 mph / 173.7 km/h) and Kershaw/Gibbons (107.757 mph / 173.3 km/h).
Supersport and Supertwin: Record lap by Harrison, strong performance by Dunlop
The Supersport and Supertwin classes were on the program from 15:00. Peter Hickman (Triumph), David Johnson, Josh Brookes, Michael Dunlop (Ducati), James Hillier and Paul Jordan opened the session.
Davey Todd set the fastest Supersport opener at 126.852 mph (204.2 km/h), closely followed by Dunlop (126.742 mph / 204.1 km/h) and Hickman (126.475 mph / 203.7 km/h). Harrison, Hillier and Jordan followed close behind.
In the Supertwin category, Michael Evans (Dafabet Racing) set the first record with 120.611 mph (194.1 km/h). Browne, Herbertson, Furber and Bonetti were right behind him.
Second laps: Best time for Harrison, strong Paton performance
The second lap brought significant improvements: Dean Harrison set the fastest Supersport qualifying time ever at 128.093 mph (206.1 km/h). Behind him: Dunlop with 127.739 mph (205.6 km/h), Hickman with 127.543 mph (205.3 km/h) and Brookes with 125.892 mph (202.6 km/h).
In the Supertwin field, Evans increased to 121.426 mph (195.4 km/h), Herbertson to 121.194 mph (195.0 km/h) and Browne to 120.816 mph (194.4 km/h). Davey Todd reached 120.309 mph (193.6 km/h) on his Paton, while Dunlop set an impressive lap of 122.159 mph (196.6 km/h) on the same machine – the fastest of the day in this class.
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