Stephen Walsh flying the Kerry flag at the Classic TT

Photo by: Lynne Carole Wilson

Stephen Walsh flying the Kerry flag at the Classic TT

Ardfert’s Stephen Walsh has qualified for both of his Historic TT races at the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man later this week

He will contest the Junior  Historic TT on his Honda 350 on Wednesday and the Senior Historic TT on Friday on his Honda 500.

In the junior class, Walsh lapped at the famous 37-mile course at 85mph, above the 82mph cut-off, despite ignition and carburation problems early on.

With support from Paul McMahon, Andy Watson, George Stinson and the Team Smith crew, the bike was sorted and Walsh got his two laps completed at the required speed.

The Honda 500  has been more troublesome, with torsion bar and gearbox issues to overcome.

Walsh got two laps in on the 500  Saturday and expects to be passed to start, though official confirmation of his Senior qualification position was still pending, as there is a second qualifying session scheduled for Monday afternoon.

However, a poor weather forecast for the week ahead could mean the organisers could use Tuesday’s contingency day for both qualifying and racing.

The Junior Historic TT is currently scheduled for Wednesday morning, and the Senior for Friday morning.

Walsh said: “We had to change the ignition on the 35,0 and Saturday was her first proper run.

“She was intermittently missing on one cylinder due to carburation, but we got her round for two laps within qualifying speed at 85mph.

“The 500 got a spin on Saturday too, but we still have some problems, but we’ll get there. A huge thanks as well to Assured Power from Lixnaw, boss James Masterson and Mick Murphy have been a huge help despite being busy keeping the Festival Dome going during the Rose of Tralee.”