My two pence...

I don't know the facts of how big the tanks were etc., but I do know a little about Patons and fuel consumption in the Isle of Man!

A Paton can easily do 3 laps without stopping or fear of running out. Dad (Steve) did the race non-stop in 2006 with a race average of just under 105mph and two other Patons (Dave Matravers and Mick Moreton) did the same this year with no issues. Our tank is 23 litres and has been measured many times. We have always found that the faster the lap time in the island, the better the fuel consumption - I believe this is a combination of reduced running time and less opening and closing of the throttle.

So I don't believe that any advantage was gained in this instance, as both bikes stopped to take on fuel, or that the result would have been any different if they had marginally smaller tank capacities. I can see no reason you would purposely fit an oversized tank on a Paton, unless it enabled you to do the race non-stop.

I am glad that they have started stripping again though and think that these events will ensure riders all through the field keep a closer eye on their own machines eligibility from now on. I am sure that the teams in question will remedy the issue if they return in the future and that this dispensation won't need to be called upon for a second year!

I'm sorry to hear that you've decided to call it a day Allan - you can certainly look back proudly on your road racing career and achievments!

David