Steve Mercer set the pace for the newcomers at this year’s Isle of Man TT after topping the speed charts.

Mercer averaged 116 mph around the historic 37.73 mile road circuit - leaving all the other debutants in his wake.

The 27-year-old from Maidstone said: "I came a week early to learn the circuit and it’s paid off. I’ve done my homework by watching DVDs and on the Playstation and I’ve done 30 laps in the car.

"Now I’ve just about learned the corners, of which there are about 300, and I’m concentrating on building up my speed.

"It’s the first time I’ve ever done this before and it is tough. It’s a special place and there is nothing quite like it in the world, it’s incredible.

"I think I topped out at 185mph and going through the village of Kirk Michael I was doing 150-160mph which was crazy. I’m just speechless how good it is - it’s absolutely fantastic."

Mercer is racing for thepeoplesbike.com team and competing in Saturday’s Superbike event. He will then race in the Superstock event on Monday before taking part in the big one, the senior race next Friday.

"Winning is definitely a no-no because there is so much to learn," he admitted. "I came here without any expectations because I didn’t want to push myself and then be disappointed. I definitely want to average 120mph in the race and I want to come back next year with extra confidence."

Returning to the sidecar event, which he won last year, is Gillingham’s Mark Cox who will ride as passenger for Nick Crowe in the HM Plant Honda team.