Steve Mercer heads into Friday’s Isle of Man TT senior race aiming to complete a trio of newcomer victories.

Mercer (pictured) was the first newcomer home in both the Superbike and Superstock races and a new record is within his sighs ahead of the main event.

After averaging speeds of over 121mph around the notorious road circuit Mercer is now eyeing the newcomer record set by Steve Plater.

“Things are going really well and I’m only three miles per hour off the best ever record for a newcomer and I’m going to have a good go at it.

“Newcomers usually average around 116 to 117 miles per hour but four of us have made it over 120so there is a really strong field for newcomers.”

For the Maidstone rider it’s been an incredible but tiring debut at the world famous event.

Each race, which is on a time trial basis, consists of six laps around the 37.73 mile course. A ride of around 2 hours at speeds averaging about 120 miles per hour.

Mercer said: “You stop twice for fuel and then it’s just a case of taking your hands off the handle bars and changing your visor, it’s about 20 seconds and then you’re straight back out. It’s pretty intense.

“I’m absolutely loving it but I’ve been here for three weeks now and I’ll be glad to get back to my own bed!”

Kent sidecar rider in TT horror smash. Click here for story.