TT 2023, Day 3: Harrison and Hickman lead the way among the “big bikes”

In a 2023 edition that has not yet been affected by the weather, the Tourist Trophy riders have already begun to push their bikes to the limit so as to be ready for race week. On day three of practice, the frontrunners were once again Dean Harrison, Peter Hickman and Michael Dunlop. Here’s how Qualifying 3 played out for the various classes around the Mountain Course.

Harrison and Hickman lead the way in SBK and STK

The third practice day started with the “big bikes” of the Superbike and Superstock classes. The best in the SBK category was Dean Harrison aboard the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR of team DAO Racing, who completed a lap at an average speed of 133.514 mph, becoming – for now – the fastest rider of this 2023 edition. Behind him, Michael Dunlop with the Hawk Racing Honda, just as quick as he was in previous sessions, and Peter Hickman with the FHO Racing BMW. Two more Honda riders, or rather Jamie Coward and Conor Cummins rounded out the top five.

As for Superstock, the lap set by Peter Hickman was particularly impressive, the Brit the only rider to exceed 133 mph (also taking advantage of Harrison’s SBK reference) with the M1000RR. The nine-time winner, a true specialist aboard the 1000cc bikes, closed ahead of “usual suspects” Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd, both on a Honda, with Conor Cummins and Dean Harrison also placing top five.

Hickman also on top in SSP, Coward leads the way among the Twins

Having finished first in Stock, Peter Hickman was able to do the same in Supersport. Aboard the Triumph 765 with its unmistakable Trooper livery, “Hicky” got the better of rivals Dean Harrison (on the Yamaha of team BPE Russell Racing) and Michael Dunlop. Davey Todd and Jamie Coward are also already competitive, fourth and fifth respectively.

The very same Jamie Coward went on to set the pace among the Supertwins, the quickest rider overall aboard the KTS Kawasaki. Behind him, a surprising Mike Browne with the Paton S1-R of team Burrows Engineering, followed by Australian Josh Brookes, third with the Dafabet Racing Kawasaki. Hodson and Rutter rounded out the top five, followed by a strong Francesco Curinga, sixth with the Paton of team ILR, which whom he scored the Manx GP win last season. Technical problems slowed Stefano Bonetti.

The Birchall brothers dominate the Sidecar class

Brothers Ben and Tom Birchall needed just one lap to understand that they’re already ready for the two races. Multiple race winners and the current 3-wheel record holders, the pair remain the favourites, but the FHO Racing team comprising Peter Founds and Jevan Walmsley is also one to watch. On this third day, Ryan and Callum Crowe also returned to action, having missed Day 2, while team number 7 did not take part due to issues relating to antidoping. Everyone else has two more days available before the races.