TT 2011 got off to a flying start yesterday (Saturday), with the first race at the Blackfords Pre-TT Classic on the Billown circuit in the south of the Island.

In the 350 single cylinder class, pre-race favourite Roy Richardson lived up to the hype, quickly opening a lead on AJS mounted Chris Palmer and Bill Swallow.

On the third lap Palmer's machine faded allowing Mike Hose to come through on his 350 Bultaco, and he eventually overhauled Swallow to finish second.

Richardson's luck held to take the chequered flag, which was some consolation after disappointment in last year's race, and the recent relegation of his beloved Blackpool FC.

In the 250s, early race leader Bob Millinship retired on the second lap handing the lead to 83-year-old Ted Fenwick, who won the class last year.

From then on it was a steady ride for the Yorkshireman who led Ian Ward and Terry Kermode home, to fill the podium in that order.

Terry told Manx Radio TT's Chris Kinley he'd been having a ball (listen to audio file below):

The main day of racing in the Pre-TT Classic is tomorrow.