JOHN McGuinness turned on the style and blasted to his second big bike win at the Isle of Man TT with victory in a new race record time in this evening’s PokerStars Senior TT.
His 17th TT victory was a perfect example of classic TT riding by McGuinness whose fast-but-smooth style is so reminiscent of the great Mike Hailwood and Joey Dunlop.
McGuinness was given a fantastic reception by the packed crowd at the Grandstand and there were an emotional few moments in the finisher’s enclosure when his wife Becky and children Ewan and Maisy were there to greet the most successful living TT rider.
“Getting off the 600 and getting back onto this bike it took me a lap to settle down,” he said. “I had a really good go on laps three and four and just managed to get slightly ahead of Guy . . . the bike was absolutely terrific; it never missed a beat in both of the races - Saturday and today - fantastic.”
He added, “I saw Guy was six seconds ahead and I thought I’d better get on with it. For some reason I didn’t think it was going to be my day. I thought I was going to be beaten today . . not so bad for an old fella!”
Guy Martin said at the end, “At least I can go to sleep happy and say I led John McGuinness on the first lap of the Senior TT !
“And in a surreal ‘Eric Cantona moment’, the ever entertaining Guy Martin ended his memorable fortnight of classic TT quotes with another gem. “If ifs and buts were pots and pans we’d all be scrap metal merchants.” Brilliant.
Third placed Bruce Anstey felt he was off the pace and off-line in some places. “Not my best, but yes I’m pleased with third.”
Guy Martin started the race at blistering pace with a first lap at over 131mph, leading McGuinness and Anstey. But by lap three McGuinness had pulled back the gap and opened up a 2 second lead.
He extended his lead on lap four and by the finishing line he had a comfortable gap of 8 seconds over Martin who was 9 seconds ahead of Anstey.
Retirements amongst the top riders included Conor Cummins with damaged rear suspension who pulled in at the end of his third lap at the pits and Dan Stewart who sustained a broken finger when he hit a bird at Ballacrye;
OFFICIAL RESULT:
1) John McGuinness (TT Legends 1000 Honda)
2) Guy Martin (1000 Relentless Suzuki)
3) Bruce Anstey (1000 TT Legends Honda)
all photos: Bill Dale www.isleofmanphotos.com and Bill Dale on Facebook
