by Luke Cawdell

A 100 mph crash during practice at the Isle of Man TT has failed to dent Steve Mercer’s confidence ahead of Friday's Senior Superbike race.

Mercer (pictured) brushed himself down from the incident to claim a 12th-place finish and a best ever performance at the circuit in the opening Superbike race.

The 30-year-old Maidstone racer, who clocked up an average speed of 126.323mph, said: “Hopefully I will have more pace for the senior race on Friday and I want to get inside that top 10.”

Mercer had a scare in practice, on Ballaugh Bridge, approaching some slower riders, who ended up moving into his path rather than out of it.

“I jumped the bridge but I was crossed up and the bike ended up going through a gate,” Mercer said. “I scratched my hand but it could have been worse. Luckily both myself and the bike avoided the wall.”

Mercer was unable to repeat his impressive Superbike form when he competed in Monday’s 360 Superstock race. A bike fault left him sitting 21st at the end of the race.

The main event starts later today (Friday) with Mercer warming up for that by competing in the morning’s Lightweight TT event.

“I want to reserve some energy for the senior race which is the big one but then again, once that crash helmet goes on I’ll be giving it my all,” said Mercer.