Clerk of the Course Phil Taubman made the best of a bad situation on Saturday night as a lack of marshals threatened to derail Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix proceedings.
Delays to the Steam Packet's schedule led to fewer marshals than anticipated being available for the opening session, but there were enough for Mr Taubman to start the newcomers on their speed-controlled lap.
Under the watchful eyes of travelling marshals, rider liaison officer Nick Jefferies and past and current competitors such as Dave Madsen-Mygdal, Richard 'Milky' Quayle and John Barton, the seventy-plus first timers completed their first 37.73-mile circuit.
Weather conditions were tricky with strong winds blowing in off the Irish Sea but there were no incidents reported during the lap.
The untimed practice sessions scheduled for the Senior, Junior, SuperTwin and Lightweight classes in the MGP and Senior, Junior, F1/F2, 350 and 500 Classic TT classes were not able to go ahead due to the shortage of marshals.
The next practice session is scheduled for Monday at 6.20pm.
Roads close around the course at 6pm.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
