2 questions for TT Sidecar Teams

[kew]

If we have Saturday practice we will have the same practice time as this year if we race on Saturday and Monday. I think the best thing to do as far as newcomers are concerned is to bring back the newcomers qualifying time allowance.

My experience this year shows that there is definitely not enough practice time, I didn't complete a lap until Friday.

[gravelrashed]

first practice saturday, untimed so no stress on newcomers and bring back thursday afternoons, race sat and weds simples

[teamradar]

Bring back Saturday Practice & race Saturday - Wednesday. The extra practice between races is very useful & should not be given up.
Allowing for a Monday race delay when would you book your return ferry? Tuesday? Wednesday?
My view is that if I commit to do the TT this includes an extra day or two either end to allow for any delays/problems.

[37]

Having the Saturday practice means you can sort any initial problems on Sunday and have the bike ready for Monday qualifying, which is a huge help.

Saturday and Wednesday race is good because you at least get Monday to watch some racing and enjoy the TT.

I think this year’s format would have been perfect if the Saturday practice was included, and sidecars only when out first once during practice week.

Dan Knight

[sidecarcop]

Saturday practice and leave the races Saturday and Wedsnesday, as has been already said the Monday practice run, a recent addition I think is a good thing. Several teams in recent years have managed to up there times and get out in the 2nd race.
It also gets the chairs out in front of the race crowds again.

[Wal]

Saturday practice and Saturday, Wednesday race for me.
Never quite understood the rationale between ‘making the TT safer’ and reducing the amount of practice.

[Couperman]

Hi,

I have already sent a PM to Paul. The concensus certainly suggests that sat practice is valuable, giving time to digest what is required especially for the lower ranking teams. The monday practice, without doubt, keeps the sidecars on the island and available for the spectators. Apart from the obvious of the additional opportunity to qualifyfor the Wednesday race.

I agree with KEW even if he is Welsh, ...The instruction of " Learn the course, the times will come by the end of the week" is appropriate and sensible. The week however may not be long enough ...weather bumps unexpected issues.

More time between races and practice sessions allows more time to prepare, check and re-check..........this is the most unforgiving circuit on the planet......IT is also UNIQUE...Incredible...and needs/deserves RESPECT.

Until you have experienced the TT as a spectator or rider it is difficult to describe.

Keep positive, keep all the riders as safe as is possible.

Regards and a safe TT to all

Couperman

[Fanch]

François Leblond is replying through me.

He will prefer to maintain a Saturday practice evening, and, why not, a Sunday evening practice session too (?).
It's compulsory for the Newcomers who need the most numerous possibilities to learn the course.
Often, some Newcomers didn't qualify on Friday evening an were qualified after the last Monday session. This year too !
Everybody knows that the average speed increases days after days when each yard of the course enters the mind.

It's also the reason why we incite our Newcomers to be on the Island from the Monday before the practice week to learn and learn the course by drivin car or bike.

About the race days, he would also prefer to maintain Saturday/Wednesday races that is better and quieter when you have to mechanic.
And there is also this opportunity of the Monday Practice.

[Hayley]

If its not broke don't try an fix it, think that statement was proved by removing sat practice this year an seeing the fall it had further on in the week, the paddock was 90% full by then anyway.
Sat an Wed racing with the extra practice on the Monday to allow for people to bed in new bits ect for the race, iron out any problems or even qualify for the 2nd race. Sat an Mon would not give any of that.
Dan

[oldbelly]

Especially if you need to run in another new engine in for Wednesdays race Dan. Joking apart well done to the pair of you ,even if Wednesday didnt go to plan.

[Eddy Wright]

I don't really see any reason at all to change the present Sidecar format. The cynic in me would say that the Solos are requesting more practise time, especially after losing out a bit this year !! and the sidecars by tradition always get the dirty end of the stick.

[sparks on the side]

As a newcomer this year I would have appreciated a saturday practice I was there from the Thursday and my driver the Friday so yes bring back Saturday practice keep the races Saturday and Wednesday. Thanks for asking us Paul it'd reassuring to know you're willing to get our opinion.

[mark_d]

how about bringing back early morning practice, maybe not the whole week but a couple of mornings

Granted this cannot be done straight away but food for thought maybe ?

[oldbelly]

There was certainly less practice on offer this year. I felt morning practice was a special part of the TT but I cant see that coming back. I think this year the organisers were reacting to what a lot of people were asking for. Less time spent on the Island and away from work hence less expense. A newcomer needs as much time on the circuit as possible. On the other hand once you know your way around do you need vast amounts of practice? I think going back to Saturday practice would be good but have Saturday and Monday races so people can get back to work at least by mid week.

[lang]

Saturday and monday racing is by far the best format for sidecars, having to spend less time on the island and making it easy to get the ferry back not having everyone trying to get home at the same time. No need for a practice between the races.