Classic TT: Michael Dunlop fastest in Lightweight class on Milenco by Padgett's Honda 250 as Nathan Harrison tops Formula One times
Michael Dunlop topped the Lightweight leaderboard on the Milenco by Padgett’s Honda RS250 on Thursday at the Classic TT.
Organisers utilised an afternoon contingency with inclement weather and serious accidents impacting the qualifying schedule this week on the Isle of Man.
Dunlop won the Lightweight race in 2025 on his own 250 Honda and is bidding for a repeat on Clive Padgett’s two-stroke machine.
The Ballymoney man lapped at 116.47mph after completing two laps and was just under two seconds down on Mike Browne’s lap of 116.639mph, set on the Laycock Racing Yamaha 250 on Wednesday, which remains the quickest overall.
Paul Jordan (Laycock Racing 250 Yamaha) was second fastest on Thursday at 112.99mph with Ryan Whitehall third fastest, lapping at 111.62mph on the Yellow House/DB Moto 250 Yamaha.
Castleblayney’s Joe Loughlin topped the times in the Ultra Lightweight class on the G2 Technical Services Kawasaki 400 at 108.552mph.
Manxman Paul Cassidy was second fastest with a speed of 107.721mph on the Green Racing/Island Fuels Yamaha 400.
Dunlop was fourth quickest in the Formula One session on the Team Classic Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD.
The 36-time TT winner clocked a speed of 123.876mph after completing two laps.
Nathan Harrison set the pace on the Greenall Racing Kawasaki ZXR750 at 124.721mph from team-mate Jamie Coward, who recorded a lap of 124.679mph.
Australia’s David Johnson was third fastest on the Steadplan Racing Kawasaki ZXR750 with a lap of 124.495mph.
Scotsman Johnny Stewart continued to lead the times in the Manx Grand Prix Supersport class on the LPA Road Racing Ducati V2 at 120.14mph.
Stewart was 24.72s faster than Coleraine’s Lee Hara (Yamaha R6) who lapped at 117.569mph.
It was the same top two in the MGP Sportbike category, with Stewart (J Stewart Garage Services Aprilia) leading the way at 114.502mph, with Hara 20 seconds down in second on his GW Auto Repairs Aprilia.
Republic of Ireland rider Liam Chawke was third fastest on the Jack Reid Cars/KMR Kawasaki at 112.355mph.
Newcomer Kevin Lavery was an impressive eighth fastest on Thursday afternoon, lapping at 109.289mph on the LMLR Racing/KMR Kawasaki.