Hawkins takes opening honours

Rich Hawkins won the opening race of the 2007 Blackford’s pre-TT classic.

He finished 7.6 seconds ahead of Castletown’s Chris Palmer in the singles race with Paul Dobbs in third place.

Hawkins completed the six laps of the Billown circuit in 18 minutes 24 seconds.

The 250cc class was won by Aylesbury's Mervyn Stratford.

The pre-TT classic continues tomorrow (Sunday) with the lightweight race due to start at 1.30pm, followed by the senior, sidecar, junior and superbike events.

Roads are due to close at 1.15pm.