Isle of Man TT
June 12, 2015
PokerStars Senior TT Race Results:
1. John McGuinness (Honda), 1:09:23.903, 130.481 mph
2. James Hillier (Kawasaki), 1:09:38.117, 130.038 mph
3. Ian Hutchinson (Kawasaki), 1:09:44.730, 129.832 mph
4. Guy Martin (BMW), 1:09:52.148, 129.602 mph
5. Michael Dunlop (BMW), 1:10:03.010, 129.267 mph
6. Conor Cummins (Honda), 1:10:07.202, 129.139 mph
7. Peter Hickman (BMW), 1:10:09.836, 129.058 mph
8. Bruce Anstey (Honda), 1:10:13.264, 128.953 mph
9. David Johnson (BMW), 1:10:20.869, 128.720 mph
10. Michael Rutter (BMW), 1:10:23.255, 128.648 mph
31. Brandon Cretu (Bimota), 1:15:49.160, 119.431 mph
More, from a press release issued by Isle of Man TT Press Office:
McGuinness wins stunning PokerStars Senior TT on final day of Isle of Man TT Races
John McGuinness took his 23rd TT victory shattered Bruce Anstey’s outright lap record from last year’s Superbike race with a sensational speed of 132.701mph as he came home 14.2s clear of James Hillier in the PokerStars Senior race with Ian Hutchinson in third. The victory came after the original race was red flagged on the second lap and a shortened four lap race was restarted at 2.45pm.
The Honda Racing rider took the lead from Hillier at the Bungalow on the opening lap and when Hutchinson made a mistake at Signpost Corner just before the solitary pit stop, he was able to pull away for his seventh Senior race victory.
At Glen Helen first time around, Hillier was again in the lead but it was close with McGuinness only eight tenths behind and Hutchinson just a tenth adrift of the Honda rider. Anstey was holding onto fourth ahead of Johnson and Dunlop but Martin had a really poor start and was way down in 13th place.
By Ramsey, Hillier still led but his advantage was down to six tenths of a second and it was now McGuinness in second with Hutchinson down to third, four tenths further back. Anstey was in fourth with two seconds covering the leading four with Dunlop now in fifth and Hickman sixth.
An opening lap of 131.850mph – the fastest ever from a standing start – gave McGuinness a 1.2s lead over Hutchinson with Hillier back to third, a further 1.8s back. Anstey, Dunlop and Hickman filled out the top six, the latter having posted his first ever 130mph+ lap, with Martin getting going in seventh.
McGuinness added half a second to his lead as they swept through Glen Helen for the second time with the top five remaining the same although Martin had moved up to sixth ahead of Hickman. The lead was back up to 1.9s at Ramsey although Martin was now up to fourth, tucking in behind Hutchinson on the road.
A stunning, new outright lap record of 132.701mph gave McGuinness the lead and the gap had shot up to 10.9s as Hutchinson overshot at Signpost. Hillier remained in third but he was only 0.6s ahead of Martin as the Tyco BMW rider also broke the old outright lap record with a lap of 132.398mph. Anstey was now in fifth and Dunlop sixth and in an astonishing lap, the first 11 riders all lapped at more than 130mph.
The order remained the same at Glen Helen on lap three and McGuinness had added almost a second and a half to his lead. Hutchinson, in turn, was over five seconds clear of Hillier who had also edged away from Martin also to the tune of five seconds but Dunlop was slipping back and was now in eighth.
The Morecambe Missile added another second on the run to Ramsey and as he started his final lap around the Mountain Course, his advantage over Hutchinson was an impressive 17.5s. Hillier was a further 6.6s in arrears and he was coming under serious pressure from Martin once more with the difference between the duo now just 2.5s.
McGuinness was in full control of the race and all eyes were on the battle for second now as Hillier took over the second podium position at Ballaugh, extending his gap to Hutchinson to four seconds as they rounded Ramsey Hairpin for the final time.
It was all about McGuinness though and the Honda man duly came home for his 23rd TT victory, equalling the seven Senior TT wins of Mike Hailwood. Hillier completed his excellent week in second, also lapping inside the old lap record at 132.414mph, with Hutchinson holding onto third from Martin.
Dunlop – whose final lap was 132.515mph – and Cummins took fifth and sixth as Anstey faded to eighth and so it was Hickman who took seventh. David Johnson finished ninth and Michael Rutter tenth.
Hutchinson had the consolation of winning the overall Joey Dunlop TT Championship and with Dan Cooper finishing in 17th place, he secured the TT Privateer’s Championship.
James Hamilton was the rider involved in the incident and he was taken by airmed to Nobles Hospital where his condition was described as serious but not considered life threatening.
More, from a press release issued by Quattro Plant Kawasaki:
Hillier ends TT2015 with brilliant brace of second place finishes
James Hillier and the Quattro Plant Muc-Off Kawasaki team ended the Isle of Man TT Races on a fantastic high when the Hampshire rider took second in both the Lightweight and Senior races on Friday. The 30-year old also became the third fastest rider in the history of the event with his final lap in the Senior being a stunning 132.414mph.
James opened his account for the day with his second rostrum finish of the week when he took a close second in the Lightweight race. He claimed a new record of 120.848mph on the final lap but ended 3.9s adrift of race winner Ivan Lintin. With a win in 2013 and second in both 2012 and 2014, it was James’ fourth successive podium in the class.
With only 45 minutes before the Senior race start, 6 laps was going to be a big ask for James but with the race only a lap and a half old, it was red flagged due to an incident and eventually restarted over 4 laps at 2.45pm. When it did, James was immediately on the pace and an opening lap of 131.467mph placed him in third, just three seconds behind race leader John McGuinness.
Another 131mph+ lap second time around maintained his third place but as the race wore on, he was able to close in on second placed Ian Hutchinson. With the fellow Kawasaki rider suffering from a damaged exhaust, James moved ahead at the beginning of lap four but he really flew round the Mountain Course and lapped at over 132mph for the first time to claim his third podium of the week and sixth in total.
On Wednesday, James put in his best ever performance in the Supersport class when he took an excellent fourth in the second 600cc encounter. Leading in the early stages of the race, James was locked in battle with Guy Martin for the final podium position and although he had to settle for fourth, he did set his quickest ever lap in the class with a speed of 126.709mph.
James Hillier: “To be sitting here with second in the Senior is unreal and it’s hard to explain that final lap. I kept pushing, hit all my markers and the 132mph lap happened! I’m overwhelmed and am made up for the team as much as myself as they’ve put such a massive amount of effort in. I can’t believe it and it’s been a mega week for all of us. We’ve been battling at the front of all our races but hats off to John today. The race pace this week has been crazy but it’s been a cracking week and we’ll be celebrating later for sure!’
“The last lap of the Lightweight didn’t feel as fast as what it was but I was riding the wheels off the bike and had a few moments. I’m happy to get the lap record but a little disappointed not to win and perhaps I could have been a bit quicker on the opening lap. I gave it everything I had the whole way through but just wasn’t quite quick enough to get the better of Ivan. The gap was close on the last lap and it kept going up and down, which is hard to get your hear around but it’s another podium and full credit to the team who’ve been mega.”
Pete Extance, Team Owner: “It’s been an incredible day. We believed we could finish on the podium in the Lightweight class if the bike behaved itself and James rode a great race to bring the bike home in second. With the Superbike race starting less than an hour later, I was slightly worried for James getting back on a bike so soon and the red flag played into our favour.”
“A four lap race probably suited us better than six and he showed his potential by setting an incredible pace. He did all four laps on his own, without a tow from anyone, and to join the 132mph club is amazing. Finishing second in the Senior TT is pretty special. James has taken two Superbike podiums, one in the Lightweight class, two fourths and a sixth and so it’s been an amazing event for us. I’m pleased for all the team and thanks to all our sponsors for making it happen.”
The team now turn their attention back to the British Superbike Championship with the fourth round taking place at Snetterton on June 19-21.
More, from a press release issued by John McGuinness’ publicist:
McGuinness takes superb Senior TT victory and outright lap record
John McGuinness took his 23rd Isle of Man TT race victory in sensational style on Friday afternoon when he not only won the Senior race but also reclaimed the outright lap record with a stunning speed of 132.701mph.
The Honda Racing rider was lying in second place when the race was red flagged due to an incident after a lap and a half but when it was restarted over four laps, rather than the original six, he made no mistake and set the fastest ever standing start lap with a speed of 131.850mph.
It gave him an early lead of 1.2s over Ian Hutchinson but it was on the second lap around the Mountain Course when he created history again by smashing the outright lap record and reclaiming it for the first time since 2013. With Hutchinson also making a mistake on the second lap, it gave him an extended lead of 10.9s as he made his first pit stop.
Upon leaving the pits, his lead had increased again thanks to a superb stop by his team and going into the final lap around the 37.73-mile course, his lead was a healthy 17.5s. The 43-year old put in yet another 131mph+ lap on his final lap to come home 14.2s clear of James Hillier with Hutchinson in third. It was his 23rd TT win and 44th podium in his phenomenal career.
John McGuinness: “It’s absolutely incredible, I’m so, so happy. A lot of people had written me off before today and a few things had fired me up including seeing my odds at the bookies were 16-1! I’ve seen all sorts on pit boards this week from P8 to P45 so P1 today looked a lot better. I was mega-determined right from when the flag dropped and the start was mint. I went into Quarter Bridge faster than I’ve ever gone before, hit all my apexes and braked as late as I could everywhere. The first lap felt quick but the second definitely felt quicker and I was trying for sure.”
“I had no moments and everything was perfect but I could feel the bike moving around beneath me like never before. I was definitely finding the limits on that lap but I was relaxed and let the bike to do the work today rather than me. When I came into the pits and heard the crowd cheering I guessed something special had happened and all the way round the course on the third lap the crowd were waving and cheering. They were absolutely incredible. Conditions were beautiful, the bike was mint and the real John McGuinness turned up today!”
More, from a press release issued by Paul Bird Motorsport:
Senior TT Podium For Hutchy And PBM
The Penrith-based Paul Bird Motorsport team wrapped up their 2015 Isle of Man TT Races campaign today with Ian Hutchinson taking third place on the PBM Kawasaki ZX-10R in the PokerStars Senior TT.
The Bingley rider had taken victory in the RL 360 Superstock TT race earlier in the week for the team, as well as finishing second in the RST Superbike race on Sunday and the third place today completed their 100% record of finishing on the podium in every race they started.
The race got underway at 12.30pm but was only a lap and a half old when it was red flagged due to an incident. It was eventually re-started at 2.45pm and over the distance of four laps, rather than the initial six. When it did get underway, an opening lap of 131.697mph placed Hutchy in second place, just 1.2 seconds behind the pace setting, and eventual race winner John McGuinness.
The gap remained similar throughout the second lap but approaching Signpost Corner, only a mile before the start and finish, the 35-year-old overshot the corner and when he got to the pits for his solitary pit stop, the gap to McGuinness had increased to over ten seconds. Hutchy then had to contend with a bike that was losing power after suffering a hole in the exhaust and although James Hillier overhauled him for second, he was able to nurse the bike home for a solid third place.
Ian Hutchinson: “It’s been an amazing week and I really wanted a Superbike race win for Paul Bird but I made a mistake at Signpost and then blew a hole in the exhaust so I had to limp home. I finished on the podium again though and I’ve had a mega week. It’s testament to Paul for giving me so much time on the bikes before coming here and after having a good North West 200 we arrived all raring to go. After everything I’ve been through these last five years, to come back, be competitive and win races has been superb and the future’s looking good. John’s pretty special at the TT so to be sitting next to him today and having been such a part of his career is superb.”
Paul Bird: “It’s been a great week and to take three rostrum finishes from three races is fantastic, especially as it’s our first time back at the TT in 12 years. It’s a shame we couldn’t have ended with a Superbike win in today’s Senior but the bike finished and we’ve taken a first, second and third. I’m chuffed to bits for Ian and for the whole team; they’ve worked tirelessly and deserve the success they’ve had.”
For further information please visit www.pbmuk.net and www.pbmuk.net
More, from a press release issued by Lee Hardy Racing:
Hickman takes seventh place and records stunning 131mph+ lap in Senior TT
Peter Hickman rounded off his superb 2015 Isle of Man TT Races campaign with seventh place in Friday afternoon’s Senior TT. Riding the Briggs Equipment BMW, Hickman also set his first 130mph+ laps, recording three in total, and set a new personal best lap of 131.626mph around the Mountain Course.
The Louth-based rider was lying in seventh place when the race was stopped after a lap and a half due to an incident and it was eventually restarted at 2.45pm over the reduced distance of four laps, as opposed to the original six.
Upon the re-start, an opening lap of 130.481mph placed the 28-year old in a strong eighth place and only two seconds behind 11-times TT winner Michael Dunlop. Second time around and Hicky improved his lap speed to 130.511mph to maintain his eighth place. A superb pit stop by the team allowed him to move up to seventh place with just one lap of the race to go.
Circulating on the road with fellow BMW rider David Johnson, the pair really flew on the final lap but Hickman was again the quickest and with a final lap of 131.626mph, he not only became the eighth fastest rider in the history of the event but also claimed a brilliant seventh place finish to ensure he maintained his 100% finishing record at TT 2015.
Peter Hickman: “Today’s been absolutely mega and the whole two weeks have been awesome. After coming close in the Superstock race, I’m so pleased to get my first 130mph laps in and to end up with a 131.6 is incredible. I’m over the moon with how this year’s TT has gone so a massive thanks to everyone for all their support and especially everyone at Lee Hardy Racing, Briggs Equipment and Jack Valentine at ValMoto.”
Lee Hardy, Team Owner: “I can’t believe it and what Peter’s achieved today, lapping at 131.6mph in just his second year, is unreal. I did a lap with him in the car on Thursday and really got to appreciate what he does, how good his knowledge is and how much homework he’s put in. It’s credit to the team that they’ve put a bike underneath him capable of such results and speeds and everyone’s hard work has paid off, from the team to the sponsors, everyone.”
Peter now turns his attention back to the British Superbike Championship with the fourth round of the series taking place at Snetterton on June 19-21.
More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:
John McGuinness takes historic Senior TT win at the Isle of Man
The 2015 Isle of Man TT races drew to a close today with Honda Racing’s John McGuinness storming to victory in the Senior TT race aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. Team-mate Conor Cummins crossed the line in sixth.
The six-lap battle originally got underway in perfect conditions at 12.30, however a red flag incident on the second rotation meant the race was restarted at 14.45 and shortened to four laps of the 37.73-mile Mountain course.
On a mission from the start, McGuinness had claimed the lead by the end of lap one and in a superb display of his renowned skill around the Isle of Man TT, he proceeded to increase the gap sector by sector. After a super-slick pit stop by his crew at the halfway point, McGuinness had opened his lead to 12 seconds.
During the epic race, the ‘Morecambe Missile’ broke the outright Senior TT lap record with a 132.701mph lap and was just a fraction off a sub 17-minute lap. He crossed the line in first place, 14.214 seconds ahead of James Hillier in second and Ian Hutchinson in third. The victory is McGuinness’s 23rd TT win and his seventh in the Senior TT.
Honda Racing team-mate Cummins put in a solid performance following some adjustments to his machine before the re-start. After a tough start, the ‘Ramsey Rocket’ found his rhythm by lap three and managed to catch up with the leading pack to finish sixth.
It’s been another successful Isle of Man TT for Honda, with four race victories (in the Superbike, Senior and Sidecar races) secured on Honda machinery, taking the manufacturer’s tally of TT wins to 176. Honda also received the manufacturer’s trophy for another year.
John McGuinness
Today was a new day. I’ve been struggling a little this week, which is no-one’s fault. I have been slow off the line and losing a bit of time, and I needed to find the form I had a few years ago.
In the restart I didn’t want James Hillier to catch me, so off the start I gave it my all, got my head down and pushed as hard as I could. Lap two I really did give it everything I could and the reaction coming in to the pits was amazing – it felt like it did when I broke the first 130mph lap. My team got me through the pits perfectly and going into the third lap the reaction from the crowd was great and I did think I’d taken the outright lap record.
I’d like to say a huge thanks to the marshals and the medics out there around the course, who do a fantastic job, and of course to my team and Honda for believing that it was still possible. Riding round the Isle of Man with a 17-second lead felt pretty special!
Conor Cummins
I had a better race today and it’s safe to say it was an electric pace over the four laps. We made an adjustment to the Fireblade after the red flag, which made things a lot better, but it took me some time to adjust and the pace was so fast. I did my best and my team put a lot of work in to make things better for me out there. The last two laps I started to pick up my pace and was making up time. I’m happy with my race and huge congratulations to John for his win – he rode a great race. Also, thanks to Honda for giving me a great bike to ride around here.
Neil Tuxworth
What a great day for John, the team and of course Honda to win what I suppose is the most iconic race of the week, the Senior TT. John rode superbly and, as I told him, he’s still the man who holds the race record round here on that bike and I knew he had the ability to win the race if he set his mind to it. It was obvious he was in the right mindset today. On lap one when he got to Glen Helen we knew he was fighting for a win and I’m just so pleased for him. He’s been a bit down on himself this week and lost a bit of confidence, which he didn’t need to do, as he’s very strong, along with the CBR and the team. Our lads did an excellent job in the pits and pulled about 10-seconds back. We’re so pleased it was a superb performance an d we’re over the moon for him.
Conor started off a little bit slow but became very strong towards the end and was making up time. A sixth place is very good, the pace was very hot in that race and his average speed was nearly 130mph and he finished in front of some very good riders. To have both machines come home is fantastic.