TT SENIOR RACE 

Friday, 8. Jun. 2007

John McGuinness set the Isle of Man alight in Friday’s Senior TT sponsored by Pokerstars when he not only led the race from start to finish, but also became the first man to break the magical 130mph barrier.

A second lap speed of 130.354mph sent the HM Plant Honda rider into the record books once more and the win was his 13th victory in total. In a repeat of Monday’s Bennetts TT Superbike race Guy Martin and Ian Hutchinson again took second and third positions.

McGuinness made his usual fast start to break the outright lap record from a standing start, but Martin was pushing him hard and there was only seconds in it in the first 24 miles. However, John’s mastery of the Mountain section was again evident and by the time the riders had completed their first lap he was almost 10 seconds clear.

Martin matched him over the first part of the second lap and although he was also inside the old lap record with a speed of 129.816mph, John’s scintillating 130mph+ lap sent him clear. Martin had pulled clear of Hutchinson, while another pre-race favourite, Bruce Anstey, was out early on and Irish hopes were also dashed with Martin Finnegan and Ryan Farquhar both early retirements.

With yet another superb pit stop McGuinness’ lead was extended further, while Martin had caught Hutchinson on the roads. Ian Lougher was in a secure fourth, but fifth place was anything but, with Adrian Archibald and Conor Cummins disputing the position.

At the head of the field McGuinness’ lead was up to 23 seconds and, although Martin chipped away at his disadvantage, John had everything under control and pulled away on the final two laps. His final winning margin was over 32 seconds, although his cause was aided slightly when Guy ran into trouble at two-thirds race distance, the chain jumping off the sprocket from the fourth lap onwards. A change of wheel at his second pit stop didn’t help so he nursed the machine home to take another second place, his third podium of the week.

Hutchinson’s excellent week continued with third place although he later admitted to having a somewhat lonely race as he was 20 seconds behind Guy and 20 seconds ahead of Lougher, who salvaged his week with a solid fourth. Archibald got the better of Cummins to give Relentless Suzuki by TAS a result, although the young Manxman took his fourth top 10 finish of the week and reclaimed the title of the fastest Manxman with a second lap speed of 126.466mph.

Steve Plater’s brilliant debut week continued with 7th place and a lap of 125.808mph firmly cemented his place as the fastest ever newcomer in the history of the event. Michael Rutter finally got to see the chequered flag in 8th, also setting his personal best lap with the top ten being completed by Ian Armstrong, who was again the first of the privateers, and James McBride.

The final day was marred by an incident at the 26th Milestone. Marc Ramsbotham, 34, from Norfolk, died from injuries sustained in the Senior race. He was involved in an incident at the 26th Milestone on the Mountain and was confirmed dead at the scene.

The incident also involved four other people. One spectator was also confirmed dead at the scene. Another spectator was confirmed dead after admission at Noble's Hospital. Two further people were also involved in the incident and have sustained injuries.

---

Share this article with others !!