Records Threatened at the Classic TT and New Heroes Crowned at the Manx GP
The Isle of Man delivered another day of unforgettable racing as records were threatened at the Classic TT and new names were etched into history at the Manx Grand Prix. From blistering laps around the Mountain Course to emotional maiden victories, fans were treated to pure road racing drama.
Classic TT Highlights
Craig Neve stole headlines in the Lightweight class, blasting his 400cc Kawasaki to 111.673mph and becoming only the fourth rider ever to break the 110mph barrier on a 400 around the Mountain Course.
In the Historic Senior, Mike Browne showed serious intent, clocking 112.984mph aboard the Peter Lodge Racing Norton — just 3.8 seconds shy of John McGuinness’s lap record. That lap firmly established him as one of the pre-race favourites.
Michael Dunlop continued his dominance in the Lightweight category, leading the way with a 116.309mph lap. Adam McLean (112.324mph) and Dan Sayle (111.100mph) followed closely, while Paul Cassidy’s 400cc Kawasaki also caught the eye.
The Formula 1 Classic session produced fireworks with Nathan Harrison recording the fastest standing-start lap of the week — 126.611mph on the Greenall Racing Kawasaki. Jamie Coward (125.879mph), Dominic Herbertson (124.943mph), and Ian Hutchinson (124.762mph) kept the pressure on.
Michael Dunlop and his Wiz Racing Norton are steadily climbing towards the front after another impressive showing in today’s session. The pace continues to build, raising the question: can he edge into the 125mph bracket and mount a serious challenge for the podium?
This evening, Dunlop underlined that potential with an unofficial fastest-ever lap on a 588cc Norton rotary around the Mountain Course, stopping the clocks at 123.505mph. That remarkable effort just shaded Steve Hislop’s iconic 1992 lap of 123.50mph – a record many thought untouchable.
Meanwhile, in the Historic Junior, Paul Jordan came out on top with a 102.962mph lap aboard the Davies Motorsport Honda, holding off Michael Evans and Adam McLean.
Session Leaders – Classic TT
- Formula 1 Classic – Nathan Harrison (126.611mph)
- Historic Senior – Mike Browne (112.984mph)
- Lightweight – Michael Dunlop (116.309mph)
- Historic Junior – Paul Jordan (102.962mph)
Jamie Williams Claims Maiden Manx GP Supersport Win
The Manx Grand Prix also produced a fairytale story as Douglas rider Jamie Williams stormed to his first-ever victory in the Supersport race, lapping at over 120mph average speed.
Williams seized control on lap two after a nail-biting opening where less than a second covered the top three. From there, he dug deep, producing a sensational final lap of 120.524mph to cross the line 6.6 seconds clear of Ireland’s Caomahan Canny, with Ryan Whitehall completing the podium.
It was a flat-out race from start to finish, with four of the top five lapping above 120mph. Northern Ireland’s Michael Gahan claimed the fastest lap of the contest at 120.664mph but finished fifth after a tough battle.
For Williams, the victory was extra special. Just a year ago, he was in hospital recovering from a heavy crash at Kate’s Cottage — now, he stands on the top step of the Manx GP podium.
Jamie Williams:
“I gave it my all out there. I can’t even put into words what this means to me. Twelve months ago I was in Aintree Hospital — now I’m here winning. This is dedicated to everyone who’s been part of this journey.”
Top 3 – Manx GP Superbike Race
- Jamie Williams (Isle of Man) – Honda – 120.524mph lap
- Caomahan Canny (Ireland) – Suzuki – +6.6s
- Ryan Whitehall – Yamaha – +8.6s
Lewis Arrowsmith Takes Emotional Super Twins Victory
The 2025 Manx GP kicked off in style with the Super Twins race, where Lewis Arrowsmith finally realised his dream of standing on the top step.
Fastest in qualifying, Arrowsmith battled all race long with Michael Gahan, the pair trading blows through the opening laps with less than a second separating them. But heartbreak struck for Gahan on lap three when mechanical issues at Keppel Gate forced him out, handing Arrowsmith the chance to stretch clear.
With a blistering 115.357mph final lap, Arrowsmith clinched his maiden Manx GP win by 18.4 seconds. Toby Shann secured a career-first podium in second, while Jamie Williams took third.
Lewis Arrowsmith:
“We’ve worked so hard for this… not just me, but my family and the lads who’ve been with us for months, years. It’s finally happened — a dream come true. These Twins are just brilliant to ride, and to win here means everything.”
Top 3 – Manx GP Super Twins Race
- Lewis Arrowsmith (United Kingdom) – Aprilia RS660 – 115.357mph lap
- Toby Shann (United Kingdom) – Triumph – +18.493s
- Jamie Williams (Isle of Man) – Honda – +22.1s
From record-breaking Classic TT laps to unforgettable Manx GP victories, the Isle of Man once again proved why it stands as the ultimate test of rider, machine, and courage.
Images: Mark Huckerby
