Lougher Leads Lightweight Class at 2024 Manx Grand Prix as Browne Dominates Classic Superbike
After three days of inactivity, qualifying for the 2024 Manx Grand Prix resumed on Thursday afternoon under challenging conditions, with damp patches around the Mountain Course. Despite the tricky terrain, veteran rider Ian Lougher led the Lightweight class with an impressive lap speed of 114.317 mph. However, it was Mike Browne who stole the spotlight, setting the fastest lap of the day in the Classic Superbike category with a blistering speed of 123.225 mph on his Key Racing Ducati.
In other categories, Daniel Ingham topped the Senior class at 116.997 mph, Maurizio Bottalico led the Junior class with 113.245 mph, Shaun Anderson took the Classic Senior lead at 109.694 mph, and Jamie Coward was the fastest in the Classic Junior class at 103.585 mph.
Session Highlights
The session began at 1:20 p.m. with the Lightweight, Classic Senior, and Classic Junior classes taking to the course. Ian Lougher, riding for Laycock Racing Yamaha, set the early pace in the Lightweight class, clocking an initial speed of 113.230 mph. He was closely followed by Stuart Hall (Whippet Racing Yamaha, 109.975 mph) and Gareth Arnold (Jenarracing Yamaha, 107.300 mph). Lougher later improved his lap speed to 114.317 mph, making him the fastest Lightweight rider of the week so far.
In the Classic Senior class, Mike Browne initially led with a speed of 107.260 mph on his Eureka Racing Norton, placing him ahead of Shaun Anderson (105.857 mph) and John McGuinness (105.345 mph). Browne later pushed the pace further, solidifying his lead in the Classic Superbike category with a lap speed of 123.225 mph. David Johnson and Michael Rutter also posted strong times, clocking in at 122.057 mph and 120.628 mph, respectively.
The Senior class saw Daniel Ingham (Castings Technology Yamaha) remain consistent, leading with a final lap speed of 116.997 mph. He was followed by Bottalico, who improved to 114.902 mph, and Michael Gahan, who reached 113.676 mph.
Notable Performances
In the Junior class, Andrea Majola, one of the pre-event favorites, initially set the pace at 112.983 mph but was soon overtaken by Bottalico’s 113.245 mph. Majola responded with a final lap of 114.100 mph to regain the lead. Meanwhile, James Hind impressed in the Classic Superbike category, finishing second overall with a strong lap of 122.519 mph on the WizRacing Norton.
Newcomer Johnny Stewart also made his mark, posting a speed of 110.635 mph, the fastest among the new riders.
Looking Ahead
As qualifying continues, all eyes will be on the riders as they prepare for the final race days. With Lougher leading the Lightweight class and Browne dominating the Classic Superbike leaderboard, the competition promises to be intense as the 2024 Manx Grand Prix progresses.