only 3 laps for newcomer race

I think it's 120% of the third fastest time in your class, Here's a link with some info. As for the speed controled lap Im not sure it would be run as quick as the time needed to qualify, but I havent competed in the Manx so only speculating.
http://www.ttwebsite.com/forums/show....php?tid=10688

Best of luck anyway mate.

If you go to www.manxgrandprix.org and check the regs link for the qualifying times,i think Bigmitch is correct at 120% which is still pretty damned quick!I dont think the speed controlled lap would be near to the qualifying time as the experienced leading riders take the time to check on the group and show the correct lines to take but not at racing speed.
Try and learn the course in sections ie start to ballacraine,ballacraine to glen helen,glen helen to kirk michael,etc i find it better to break it into smaller sections then you can piece them together as the lap progresses.Try and stick with a classic rider through any twisty sections as they normally know the road really well and take fast,smooth lines.Dont treat it like a short circuit,the ideal is to keep smooth and flowing allowing you to carry as much speed through the faster sections the same applies for the glen helen section,its all about knowing where you're going,what's coming next so you can plan ahead where to be on the road.Watch John McGuiness's lap on the amdm(dave morris' bmw) his lines are perfect for the 650.theres a couple of on board laps David Bell did in last years practice on youtube search David Bell manx grand prix,they are excellent but remember these lads are experienced and know where they're going!but they are perfect for giving you an idea of where the course goes and the speeds achieveable-dont try to copy it straight away!!there have been alot of surface dressing going on over the last month so its imperative you have proper stone guard protection for your radiator and oil cooler(if you haven't got it already-why not!!).You must also lockwire your front and rear spindles and i always have my caliper bolts done as well.Loctite anything you cant lockwire!
I think 3 laps are plenty for a newcomers race and having it on the sat evening is a bonus as you have the possibilty of having 4 race days(if you have a 600 as well you could do the junior on mon,supertwin on wed on the 650 and the senior on friday)giving a total of 15 race laps plus your practice laps(at least 2 per session).
Good luck and if you need any advice when at the manx come and see me,i'll be about the paddock(number 2 supertwin and 12 junior)

[andrewsmith]

To add to Dave's post, Dave Bell is stupidly fast. Also it maybe beneficial to watch a couple of the Olivers Mount videos as it is a damp track most the year, and slippery as hell.

thanks for the advice chaps, its all very usefull, no doubt over the next 12 months i shall be asking questions of you all, i plan to take advantage of the visits organised by the manx gp ambasadors, i they take you round the course pointing out the bits to watch out for ect, my 6 meeting for my mountain lic begin this sunday, doing the emra meeting ,. if enogh sv,s turn up they will put a trophey up for us, we are out with the 400ds ,sounds cool, any one fancy a day out,????