Isle of Man, June 04: Chris Palmer has celebrated his first victory at Isle of Man motorcylcing festival, taking the 125cc title, while John McGuinnes compensated the frustration for third place in the TT Formula one race by winning the 400cc class.
The week-long event attracted an enthusiastic crowd but both spectators and riders had to wait for the fog to clear for the start of the 400 and 125cc races on Monday (June 2) in the tight street circuit in the Isle of Man, off the west coast of Britain . John McGuinness had his Honda delivered only four days before the race. But the Englishman, who had only three laps of practice, set the pace in the 400class. McGuiness took his Honda to the finish line with a 26.32 seconds advantage over Irish rider Richard Britton, who settled for second place, also on a Honda. Ryan Farquahar, from Northern Ireland, led his Kawasaki to third spot, 42.24 seconds behind the winner. The win was a late reward for McGuinness, after he finished third in the TT Formula one race showcase event at the weekend.


Isle of Man veteran Chris Palmer finally won a race, 12 years after promising he would never compete here again. After a good start, Robert Dunlop had Robert Dunlop, who was gearing up for his sixth TT win, had to settle for fourth place.


Palmer took first honours in the 125cc category with over 39.60 seconds to spare from Michael Wilcox with Ian Lougher completing the top three more than a minute adrift.


Race results: 400cc 1. JohnMcGuninnes (Honda) one hour 22:40.97 2. Richard Britton (Honda) 1.23:07.29 3. Ryan Farquhar (Kawasaki) 1.23:23.21 4. David Madsen-Mygdal (Honda) 1.24:28.96 5. Robert Price (Yamaha) 1.26:00.42 6. Alan Bennie (Yamaha)


125cc 1. Chris Palmer (Honda) 1.23:20.57 2. Michael Wicox (Honda) 1.24.00.46 3. Ian Lougher (Honda) 1.24:21.04 4. Robert Dunlop (Honda) 1.24:47.25 5. Nigel Beattie (Honda) 1.27:15.22 6. Paul Owen (Honda) 1.28:43.71


Bureau Report