SIDECAR racer John Holden is in pole position to win this year's Manx TT race after clocking fastest time in qualifying yesterday.

Holden, from Whalley, and passenger Rod Pearce, from Chatburn, lapped the daunting Mountain course in 21min 52.4secs, averaging over 103 miles an hour on their Molyneux Yamaha 600.

Although heavy rain and mist left surface water on the track and reduced visibility to less than 200 yards in places, the pair ended the practice session nearly five seconds quicker than rivals Ian Bell and Neil Carpenter.

Runner-up in the 1999 British Sidecar Championship, Holden led the 1998 F2 race until his gearbox broke, and suffered a similar fate last year when the ignition packed up whilst lying second.

Accrington motorcycle dealer Keith Dixon topped the time sheets for the Singles category, after setting a fastest time of 23m 28.3 s on his Seeley 652. Dixon, who lives in Great Harwood, held a 39-second advantage over the Hartgate Bimota of Edward Poole at the end of qualifying.

Double champion Dave Calvert had to settle for 46th overall in practice for the Sidecar A race.

Calvert and passenger Stuart Bond, both from Darwen, won the EMRA and Darley Moor titles in 1999, and last competed on the TT in 1975.

Over 40,000 spectators are expected on the Isle of Man this week for the fortnight-long Tourist Trophy festival.

For the fifth year running, the entry for the TT was oversubscribed with over 500 competitors, from 20 countries, chasing 450 places in the six classes.

The absolute lap record was set last year by Jim Moodie, riding a 750 Honda. His average speed of 124mph eclipsed the previous record, set by Carl Fogarty in 1992.

Qualifying continues this week, with racing starting on Saturday afternoon with the TT F1 race at 2pm, continuing until Friday, June 9.