Entire Cover insurance Supertwin TT: Can anyone stop Dunlop?

Michael Evans (Dafabet Racing Kawasaki)

As birthday presents go, it doesn’t come better than getting a first Isle of Man TT podium. That’s exactly what Mikey Evans did and, being a Manx local, it could not have been a more popular result.

His second place in Tuesday’s race was a stunning 32nd birthday present, the new Dafabet Kawasaki rider even running with Dunlop for a while after being overtaken. It’ll be tough for him to repeat that success in the Entire Cover TT but just having the knowledge he can do it and the confidence that brings will surely give him an extra spring in his step.

Rob Hodson (SMT Racing Paton)

The Wigan rider has been strong in the class for years and was well rewarded with a first podium on Tuesday. His biggest handicap may be his start number. Being 15th away means he’s going to have to contend with a fair bit of traffic if he’s going to climb the podium again, although there can be some benefits to having a few rabbits to catch too.

His SMT Racing Paton is a good bike and he’s a strong competitor who just keeps getting better and better with every lap of the famous TT course. Hard to rule out.

Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing powered by Prosper2 Aprilia)

Unlike Hodson, Irishman Paul Jordan won’t be worrying about traffic. Heading off first from the startline, he’s got clear air ahead of him. In Monday’s race he had a lonely ride and arrived at the finish line first too, although being a time trial he only just missed out on a podium as he completed the distance in the fourth fastest time.

He seems to be the only rider able to get a tune out of the Aprilia RS 660, which hasn’t been one of the fancied supertwin contenders over the years, but he’s a good ‘twin rider – having finished third in 2022. He’s also having a good TT on the smaller bikes (he finished fourth in Supersport TT 2) and we don’t rule him of being back on the box this time out.

Davey Todd (Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles Paton)

It’s rare to have last year’s Senior TT winner down as anything but a favourite, but the smaller bikes haven’t really been DT’s style.

His Padgett’s team have invested heavily in the Supertwin class, purchasing an all-conquering Paton and doing quite a lot of work to modify it, with a Moto2 style fairing and special airbox developed for the TT.

Todd admits he’s struggled to adapt to the riding style of the lightweight bike, and the machine didn’t look too quick in the opening TT, but these bikes are very sensitive to even the smallest changes and if they can make even a small step they’ve a great chance of scoring yet another podium finish.

Dominic Herbertson (Melbray Racing Paton)

Dom the Bomb is a real fan favourite. He’s known for his Chasin’ The Racin’ podcast and his friendly personality, but underneath the smiles he’s matured into a real top TT racer who will soon be a threat in every class.

Sixth in the first Supertwin outing probably looks a bit disappointing after he scored an emotional third in the same race 12 months previously, but he was less than 10 seconds from finishing on the box again and with the smallest changes able to make a big difference to these complex little machines, there’s no doubt he’ll be in the mix again this time. All it takes is a small set-up change, better track position or a bit of luck (and ideally a combination of all three) and any of our ones to watch can be right up there on Friday.

Other notables

Stefano Bonetti (Vas Engine Racing Paton) – veteran Italian specialises in Supertwins, having twice finished fourth in the class.

Mike Browne (KMR Kawasaki) – twice a podium finisher in the class (including third in last year’s Entire Cover Supertwin TT), he leads Ryan Farquhar’s renowned KMR team. Broke down earlier in the week but will be right up there if the bike holds together.

Adam McLean (Flitwick Motorcycles Yamaha) – top Yamaha runner, he looked comfortable running with Todd in the first TT and won’t need to find a lot to be among the podium contenders.

Joe Yeardsley (Scott Racing Motorcycles Aprilia) – local favourite made a big impression in his debut TT last year, having won at the Manx Grand Prix in 2023. Hasn’t quite clicked with the Aprilia he’s riding this year, but definitely still one to watch.

Photos: Isle of Man TT Races