Isle of Man TT Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson is hoping the opening Sportbike race will be run on Tuesday evening in a revised two-race schedule.

The Monster Energy Supersport race is set for a 15:00 BST start over three laps, with the Carole Nash Sportbike race scheduled for 18:30 BST, also over three laps.

Thompson had initially ruled out the prospect of racing on Tuesday evening but an improving weather picture has given the organisers a window to add a second race.

Three races were initially due to take place on Tuesday, including the RL360 Superstock event – rescheduled from Sunday – along with the first Supersport and Sportbike races.

placeholder image — Michael Dunlop has won the last eight Supersport race at the Isle of Man TT and is a big favourite for more success on the Scars/MD Racing Ducati. (Photo by Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press)

However, overnight rain resulted in a delay to allow roads around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course to dry out.

In an update on Tuesday afternoon, Thompson said he was eager to capitalise on any opportunities to run racing, with more inclement weather expected on Thursday and Friday.

He has also stated that it is “likely” Sunday afternoon will be utilised as a contingency day.

One race has been held so far, with Sunday’s RST Superbike race won by Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison.

Thompson said: “Just to confirm the current position, conditions around the course weather-wise have improved to what we thought earlier.

“The intention this afternoon is to run a three-lap Supersport race at three o’clock with a compulsory pit-stop at the end of lap one.

“We will then reopen the roads between five [o’clock] and six, and reclose the roads at six o’clock and go this evening with a three-lap Sportbike race, again with a compulsory pit-stop at the end of lap one.

“We’ve got some inclement weather coming in tomorrow and Thursday, so we’re going to try and get in what we can, but tomorrow and Thursday is not looking too good.

“But if we can get in the Supersport race and [Sportbike race] this evening, it’s going to put us in a really good position for Friday and the weekend.

“Everything is subject to weather and obviously we can’t control that.”