Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

With the weather predictions for rain coming in there was a little tension with the riders in the paddock not knowing what to expect, but the atmosphere and the excitement gathered and, although it was cold, the sun stayed out. The 125s got off to a pretty fast first section and followed it up with a second lap speed in the Superbike practice of 204mph by Stuart Easton. So, the pace was set and practice was now off to a seriously good start. The new chicane had to be treated with care as we have suddenly turned a 160mph corner into a 30mph chicane.

My job with briefing the newcomers and taking them round on a guided bus tour was much appreciated by the new riders. This makes the first few laps a little less daunting as, for some of these riders, it will be the first time they have ever done over 150mph never mind 200mph! One newcomer who did particularly appreciate this was Gary Mason, currently a very successful British Superbike rider. In his interview after his first official practice session he was just blown away by his first roadrace experience and said there was nothing in the world like it and that he would be going home to tell all his mates about it. One of his most shocking experiences was when he was sitting up breaking hard from 200mph when Steve Plater came blasting past still tucked in behind the screen with throttle on the stop. With a few less newcomers competing this year, it was decided to start them at the back of normal practice sessions in their appropriate class with their own instructor, rather than their own seperate, introductory practice session as in previous years. After guiding them for three laps, myself and the other instructors pulled in and let them continue with the rest of the qualifiers.

At 6.30am this morning I was off to the Giant's Causeway to do some filming with the Greenlight boys and with Guy Martin as my sidecar passenger in a 1939 Ariel Sidecar Outfit. It was was a beautiful fresh morning as Guy and I toured the coastal route. I continually tortured him with questions, trying to work out has he really got the potential to win a Superbike race on Saturday. I believe he has the talent and the machinery to do this, but only he knows if mentally he is capable of this.

I am rushing off now to see the preview of Joey Dunlop Remembered, a new film for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Northern Ireland about the legacy of the legendary Joey Dunlop, sadly lost to the racing world ten years ago. I was honoured to take part in the programme dedicated to such a local racing hero. The film goes out on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One Northern Ireland at 10.55pm on Saturday, 15th May. There is also a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ website where you can trace Joey's life and send in your memories and photographs at www.bbc.co.uk/joeydunlop.

On Friday I'll be back to give you my thoughts on Thursday's practice.