Palmer and Cummins in North West 200 Frame

Castletown's Chris Palmer and Ramsey's Conor Cummins led the Manx challenge at Tuesday night's opening practice session for Saturday's North West 200 international road races.

Palmer is provisionally second on the grid behind William Dunlop in the 125's.

Cummins was fifth quickest for the Superbike races with Senior T.T. winner Steve Plater on pole.

In the big bike class, Daniel Kneen - riding with a very sore ankle after his recent spill at Oulton Park - was ranked 21st and Gavin Hunt 25th.

Cummins was 13th in the qualifying classification for the Supersports where Bruce Anstey is top of the timing sheets. Gavin Hunt failed to qualify and no times were posted by Chris Palmer, John Barton or Daniel Kneen who are all on the start list.

The Superstock practice was cancelled because of a delay caused by oil on the track at Station Corner.

Another feature from Tuesday - Swan Honda rider Stuart Easton was recorded at 204mph through the speed trap on the straight leading into University Corner.

The weather forecast for the second and final practice session on Thursday does suggest the possibility of some rain, so yesterday's times could represent grid positions for race day.