Czech rider Kamil Holan became the first competitor from the country to win a race at the Manx Grand Prix with victory in the Newcomers event last night.

Holan won the 'A' race for 600cc machines, although it was Adrian Harrison who was the early leader on lap one of three at Glen Helen from Dutchman Peter Jeijmans.

Dean Roberts hit the front at Ballaugh, although at the end of the opening lap Andrew Soar – carrying the number one plate – was the leader by four seconds from Holan and Roberts.

Soar completed his first lap at 105.757mph to seize the initiative.

Wigan's Jamie Hodson, Harrison and Roberts all made their first pit stops at the end of the first lap with the majority of the remaining leading contenders opting to remain on the circuit for another lap before pitting.

The race began to take shape on lap two as Holan opened up an advantage of 20 seconds by the time they reached Glen Helen over Soar, with Roberts now third.

Pre-race favourite John Simpson's race came to an end on the third lap when he retired at Laurel Bank.

The Northern Irishman was effectively ruled out of contention after picking up a 30-second penalty for exceeding the pit land speed limit at the end of lap two.

Holan stayed ahead until the finish to win by 13.6 seconds from Soar, with Roberts holding on for third.

Manx rider Andrew Dudgeon won the 'B' race for Supertwin machines with Yorkshire rider James Cowton triumphant in the 'C' race for Lightweight machines.

The race was delayed by an hour due to poor visibility on the Mountain.

Tomorrow's racing is scheduled for a 10.15am start with the 350cc/250cc Classic Grand Prix up first followed by the MGP Junior Race at 1.15pm.

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