NEWCOMER HARLEY RUSHTON VICTORIOUS IN CLASSIC JUNIOR

Newcomer Harley Rushton (Chris Hughes Racing Honda) won the 2 Wheeling Classics Classic Junior Manx Grand Prix on Monday afternoon, his winning margin over the returning Glen English (Melbray London Honda) 48.898 seconds. Mark Johnson (MJ Racing Honda) completed the podium in third.

It was Manxman Michael Evans (Ken Rutter Honda) who led in the early stages, his advantage over Nigel Moore (John Reed Honda) at Glen Helen a commanding 19.522 seconds. Jonathan Perry (Dean Edwards Racing Honda) was 2.8 seconds further back in third as Rushton slotted into fourth, only 1.7 seconds further adrift.

Evans’ early charge ended soon afterwards with retirement at Handley’s and that meant it was Moore in the lead as they jumped Ballaugh Bridge for the first time, his advantage over new second-placed Rushton 2.4 seconds. Perry remained in third but well in contention, only four seconds behind Moore.

However, on the run to Ramsey, Rushton surged clear and not only took the lead but went clear with his lead standing at 14.773 seconds. Moore dropped back to second, but Perry was another retirement at Sulby Bridge and that promoted English, winner of the 2000 Classic Senior race, up to third.

Newcomer Rushden surged to a win

Rushton pressed on up and down the Mountain and a superb lap of 97.615mph gave him a fairy-tale victory, almost 50 seconds clear of English (94.301mph). He took second after Moore retired at the Waterworks and that allowed Johnson (90.904mph) to come through for third.

English took second on his return to the Manx since 2000

Chris Moore (JL Exhausts/iHeat/Silverstar Honda), David Glover (DA GLO Racing Honda) and newcomers Andrew Guy (LSCA Honda) and Andrew Green (Classic Racing Green Honda) completed the finishers.

Johnston bagged a podium after Moore retired