Isle of Man TT
Isle of Man, UK
May 31, 2014
Superbike TT Race Results:
1. Michael Dunlop (BMW S1000RR), 1:45:46.384, 128.415 mph
2. Guy Martin (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:46:06.954, 128.000 mph
3. Conor Cummins (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:46:09.934, 127.940 mph
4. Bruce Anstey (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:46:31.687, 127.504 mph
5. Michael Rutter (BMW S1000RR), 1:46:48.186, 127.176 mph
6. William Dunlop (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:46:57.992, 126.982 mph
7. John McGuinness (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:46:58.772, 126.966 mph
8. Dean Harrison (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:47:39.797, 126.160 mph
9. James Hillier (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:48:04.777, 125.674 mph
10. Josh Brookes (Yam YZF-R1), 1:48:05.487, 125.660 mph
Mark Miller (EBR 1190RS), DNF
Brandon Cretu (EBR 1190RS), DNF
Best Lap: Bruce Anstey (Hon CBR1000RR), 17:06.682, 132.298 mph
More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:
Conor Cummins secures Superbike TT podium
The 2014 Isle of Man TT races got underway today with Honda Racing’s Conor Cummins securing a podium finish in the opening Superbike race. His team-mate John McGuinness – who is still recovering from a broken scaphoid – completed the six-lap outing in seventh place.
The race began at 11am in warm and sunny conditions and by the end of lap one, Cummins was in third aboard his Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade SP machine. A smooth and confident performance saw the Manxman putting serious pressure on second-placed rider Guy Martin, with a gap of less than a second at the halfway stage.
Cummins eventually crossed the line just under three seconds behind Martin to take his fifth TT podium – his first on a Superbike since a serious crash on the Mountain course in 2010, which threatened to end his road racing career.
McGuinness, meanwhile, dug deep and got his head down, climbing from eighth to fifth by lap four. The 20-time Isle of Man TT winner was in the battle for fourth place until the end of the penultimate lap, when a late attack from Bruce Anstey coupled with a wave of backmarkers saw him drop down to seventh come the chequered flag.
In what turned out to be a spectacular opener, a new outright lap record of 132.298mph was set by Bruce Anstey aboard his Padgetts Motorcycles Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
The Honda Racing team will reconvene on Friday 6 June for the Senior TT.
Neil Tuxworth team manager
It was an excellent race for Conor today. When you consider everything he has been through over the past few years, it’s incredible and I’m really pleased for him. It was hard for John, although finishing seventh wasn’t a bad result considering his injury. He was struggled towards the end of the race but he was battling for fourth at one stage. Overall it’s been a great day for Honda, with more machines in the top ten than any other manufacturer and a new outright lap record set by Bruce on the Padgett’s Honda Fireblade.
Conor Cummins
It’s been a tricky few years since my accident and I’m just so happy to be here, I can’t say much more than that. I’m feel like I’m riding well and I’m learning all the time on the Honda Fireblade. I was really pushing for second place and I had good boards all around the course, so thanks to the boys that were out there. I can’t say a big enough thank you to Honda Racing, my sponsors and all the people that have helped me get here today.
John McGuinness
It’s does feel strange not to be in the winners’ enclosure, but I knew going in to the race that I might struggle. Three or four weeks ago I thought I wouldn’t even be able to compete, so to finish six laps and place in the top ten I don’t feel like I’ve disgraced myself. My wrist was holding me back in some places but in others it wasn’t on my mind. I need to take the positives from this – I was in the hunt for fourth before I got held up and I finished the race, so as I said, I didn’t disgrace myself.
More, from a press release issued by Isle of Man TT Press Office:
Stunning Performance from Dunlop as he smashes lap and race record
Michael Dunlop took his eighth TT victory when he won Saturday’s 6-lap Dainese Superbike race in record-breaking style. The BMW Motorrad rider took control from early race leader James Hillier at Ballaugh on the opening lap and, aided by two laps inside the old outright lap record, he surged clear and was able to control the race in the closing stages to take the win by 20.5s from Guy Martin (Tyco Suzuki) with Conor Cummins (Honda Racing) in third.
There was also sensational news on the final lap when Bruce Anstey, outside the top ten on the opening lap after overshooting the Nook, tore round the Mountain Course on the Valvoline Racing/Padgetts Honda to become the first man ever to have lapped at more than 132mph with a final lap of 132.298mph.
Hillier was quickest to Glen Helen on the opening lap on his Quattro Plant/Muc-Off Kawasaki and he led Dunlop by one second with Martin, a rapid starting Dean Harrison (RC Express Racing Kawasaki), Gary Johnson (Lincs Lifting Honda) and Dan Kneen (Cookstown BE Racing Suzuki) close behind.
As the lap unfolded though, it was clear Dunlop was charging and having overhauled Hillier at Ballaugh, he increased his lead all round the opening 37 and ¾ miles and with a new lap record of 131.730mph, he rocketed clear with Martin 9.4s in arrears. The leaderboard was constantly changing and Cummins moved up into third with Hillier, Harrison and John McGuinness completing the top six with Johnson reported retired at Creg ny Baa.
Dunlop was in determined mood and was closing in on Martin, who had started twenty seconds ahead of him on the road, the gap between the duo after two laps almost 17 seconds as the Ballymoney man went quicker still at 131.890mph. The Tyco Suzuki rider was six seconds clear of Cummins as they took their first pit stop with Michael Rutter up to fourth on the Bathams BMW.
Dunlop, Martin, McGuinness and Hillier were circulating in close formation on the roads but Dunlop’s lead was increasing and he was first into the pits at the end of lap four, the gap to Martin now a very healthy looking 25s after another 130mph+ lap. Martin was coming under pressure from Cummins though with his advantage now under five seconds for the first time while Rutter was still in fourth with McGuinness and William Dunlop completing the top six.
As the race went into it’s final third, Dunlop and Martin were still together on the roads and the 25-year rode to his signals to control the race for his eighth victory and BMW’s first ‘big bike’ win since German Georg Meier won the 1939 Senior.
Martin took his 14th podium in second with Cummins three seconds further back after doing his all on the final lap. Anstey really put the hammer down after his early race mishap and his lap of 132.298mph was some six seconds quicker than McGuinness’ lap set in the same race last year
Rutter ensured it was a good day for BMW with a strong fifth with William Dunlop making a late charge to overhaul McGuinness on the final lap, the gap between the pair just 0.8s after six hard laps.
The 20-times winner had to settle for seventh with his wrist injury, as expected, unable to run the pace for six entire laps but it was a solid effort by the Morecambe man. Harrison and Hillier both dropped back as the race wore on, finishing in eighth and ninth with Josh Brookes completing the top ten.
Newcomer Peter Hickman had a brilliant ride into 14th place with his final lap of 126.195mph making him the second fastest newcomer in TT history and it also meant he was the first privateer home with Ivan Lintin (17th) and Russ Mountford (18th) second and third in the early TT Privateer’s Championship.
Debutantes Martin Jessopp and Danny Webb both picked up bronze replicas in 26th and 37th also posting their best laps of the event so far at 123.470 and 120.508 respectively.
More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad/Hawk Racing:
Michael Dunlop wins historic Isle of Man TT Superbike race for BMW Motorrad.
Michael Dunlop has won a historic victory for BMW Motorrad in the Isle of Man TT Superbike race, finishing 20.5 seconds in front of Guy Martin and third-placed rider Conor Cummins.
The Ballymoney rider’s stunning win comes exactly 75 years since BMW Motorrad’s last Superbike victory at the Isle of Man in 1939, when Georg Meier won on a Type 255 Kompressor. The silverware increases Dunlop’s tally to eight TT victories, with two now being in the top Superbike class.
The BMW S 1000 RR rider took the lead early on the first lap, incredibly going on to smash the outright lap record from a standing start, with an average speed of 131.730 mph. Dunlop was on perfect form, with his BMW S 1000 RR clocked at 190mph on the legendary 1.5-mile long Sulby Straight, shortly after going on to extend his lead over Guy Martin to 16 seconds.
When he crossed the start/finish line a second time, Dunlop broke the outright lap record again with a fantastic 131.890 mph lap before slowing down to pull in for his first pit stop. The BMW Motorrad / Hawk Racing team had Dunlop back out with a full tank in seconds, preserving his lead over Guy Martin.
Lap three saw that lead extended to 17 seconds at Ballaugh bridge and 19 seconds by the Bungalow. During the race Dunlop caught up with Guy Martin on the road, who had started 20 seconds ahead of him, on lap four.
Martin tailed Dunlop for the following two laps, followed by a pit stop for both, before the BMW rider led a final charge towards the flag and his first ever TT win on a BMW motorcycle. Michael brought the BMW Motorrad / Hawk Racing S 1000 RR Superbike across the line in first place with a 20.5 second lead over Guy Martin, with Conor Cummins following in third place.
Michael and the BMW Motorrad / Hawk Racing team will be in the Superstock race on Monday and the blue riband Senior TT race on Friday.
For more information and live timing, or to download the full race results from today, visit www.iomtt.com.
The highlights from today’s racing will be broadcast on ITV4 at 9pm and will be available online via www.itv.com/itvplayer.
“It’s been 75 years for BMW Motorrad since they won the TT in 1939 – so today’s win is a nice present to send back to their museum.
“The BMW Hawk Racing team worked really well, and we showed everyone that you can complete two laps at full race pace on that BMW S 1000 RR. For a bike to last around the TT, especially the way I bust ‘em, is just fantastic. The BMW is only just showing its potential, there’s a lot more to come from that bike.
“My team were up all night working like dogs sorting my bikes. Steve Hicken and the lads have done a fantastic job and Kurt Bock from BMW Motorrad Motorsport has been a superstar. I can’t say enough about the whole team. Looking ahead, we’ve got five more races to do this week and three gallons of beer to drink tonight!”
Michael Dunlop
“For Hawk Racing it’s amazing to be able to say we’ve won at the Isle of Man TT. I think it’s a dream that any team have, it’s the biggest event in the entire motorcycle racing calendar. It’s fantastic to have a TT win to our name – and to have won it by such a margin, and to have broken the lap record twice on the first two laps, is the icing on the cake.
“Full credit to Michael for that amazing ride. It was an unbelievable job from the whole team. We’ve had fantastic support from BMW Motorrad, from Lee Nicholls in the UK and Kurt from BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Now let’s see what Friday brings.”
Steve Hicken, Hawk Racing Team Manager
“This is a huge, historic moment for BMW Motorrad. Michael Dunlop’s victory in the Superbike race comes exactly 75 years on from BMW Motorrad’s last win in the top class, and is the most fitting way to commemorate Georg Meier’s legendary victory in 1939.
“Michael delivered a stunning ride from start to finish, proving once again his skill and dedication. But he couldn’t have done it without the support from Steve Hicken and the Hawk Racing team, from the Michael Dunlop Racing team and from our colleagues Kurt Bock and Berti Hauser from BMW Motorrad Motorsport. We entered road racing in 2014 to prove that the BMW S 1000 RR is a formidable road superbike – and with victories at the North West 200 and now the Isle of Man TT, that’s now been proven beyond all doubt.”
Lee Nicholls, Marketing Manager for BMW Motorrad UK
More, from a press release issued by John McGuinness’ publicist:
Solid seventh for McGuinness in Superbike TT
Morecambe’s John McGuinness opened his account for the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races with a solid seventh place in the 6-lap Superbike race on board his 1000cc Honda Racing Fireblade.
Fourth quickest on the practice leaderboard, John knew the punishing 226-mile race distance would be a tall order with his wrist injury and lasting the six laps was very much an unknown quantity but he stayed consistent throughout the race and only just missed out on a top six place by 0.8s.
With perfect conditions around the 37 and ¾-mile Mountain Course, an opening lap of 128.960mph meant John was in seventh position and although a slightly slower lap second time around saw him slip back to ninth at one thirds race distance, a good pit stop and strong third lap saw him jump back up the leaderboard to sixth.
Circulating on the road in close formation with Michael Dunlop, Guy Martin and James Hillier, John’s fourth lap of 129.282mph would prove to be his fastest of the race and it moved him up to fifth place, only 2.5s adrift of former team-mate Michael Rutter.
Indeed, the fight for fourth place would go all the way until the chequered flag but, unluckily for John, he was the one who came off worst and despite another 129mph+ lap, he had to settle for seventh after six hard fought laps, less than a second adrift of William Dunlop.
John McGuinness: “It feels a bit weird not to be in the winner’s enclosure but I have to take it on the chin and 3-4 weeks ago there’d have been no chance of me finishing a six-lap race so I’ve got to take the positives out of the day. I didn’t disgrace myself and whilst seventh doesn’t look the greatest on paper, I was in the hunt for fourth for most of the race, particularly the second half, so I didn’t fade.”
“There were some parts of the course where the wrist wasn’t on my mind at all but there were others where it was definitely holding me back and I got the worst run of backmarkers on the final lap that I think I’ve ever had. It’s not their fault but if God could have picked three worse places for them to be, he dropped them right there on the last lap! Overall, I’m a bit disappointed but I can only do what I can do and rode to my limits on the day which is all you can do. The best therapy is riding and it was a solid performance.”
John will be back in action on Monday when he’ll be riding the Valvoline Racing/Padgetts Honda’s in the 4-lap Supersport and Superstock races.
More, from a press release issued by RC Express Racing:
Top eight for Harrison and RC Express Racing in Superbike TT
Dean Harrison and the RC Express Racing team got their 2014 Isle of Man TT Races campaign underway in fine style on Saturday with a strong eighth place in the opening Superbike TT race.
The Bradford rider had been holding onto fifth in the early stages, after posting a new personal best of the Mountain Course at 129.198mph, and although he slipped back to ninth at two thirds race distance, he battled back to claim a top eight finish after almost two hours of hard fought racing.
Conditions were ideal for racing around the 37 and ¾-mile course and Dean signalled his intentions from the off as he swept through Glen Helen, the first timing point on the course, in fourth place on the opening lap. He was pushed back a position by the time he completed his first lap but the speed of 129.198mph was still his best ever and fifth place was a great start to the race.
However, the 25-year old was already experiencing a few handling issues after changes made on Friday evening had seen them go in the wrong direction, and with an oil leak also hindering his progress, it was a case of damage limitation for the reminder of the race.
By the time he pitted for the first time, at the end of lap two, he had been pushed back to eighth place, despite another 128mph+ lap and this had become ninth place by two thirds race distance. Still in ninth place going into the sixth and final lap, Dean dug deep and called upon all his Yorkshire grit and determination and with his second fastest lap of the race, 128.434mph, he pulled himself back up to eighth at the chequered flag.
Dean Harrison: “I can’t complain with eighth place too much as it proved to be quite an eventful race. The first lap was mint and I had a great run to Glen Helen to put myself right into contention but the changes we made after Friday evening’s practice session saw us go in the wrong direction and the bike was quite unstable over the bumps, especially the Ginger Hall to Ramsey section. I also started to experience an oil leak half way round the lap so after that, I just had to dig deep.”
“To lap at 129.2mph from a standing start was very pleasing given the few issues I was experiencing but I had to slacken the pace due to the oil leak as my foot slipped off the peg a couple of times. It was very much a case of bringing the bike home for a good result and with an eighth place I did exactly that. It’s a good, solid start to the week and we’ve got plenty more opportunities this week.”
Ben Constable, Team Co-Owner: “We’re very happy with our first result of race week and having taken 11th place in the same race last year, we’ve moved forward in terms of both the result and the lap speeds. Dean’s recorded his best ever lap of the Mountain Course from a standing start, which we’re all delighted about, and that proves that he’s got the speed to challenge. If it wasn’t for the oil leak, I’m sure Dean would have been able to maintain his top six challenge but eighth place is still a good start to the week.”
Dean will be back in action on Monday in the 4-lap Superstock race, which is scheduled to get underway at 2.00pm.
More, from a press release issued by Penz13.com BMW Racing Team:
Penz13.com BMW Racing Team: Storrar earns brilliant 16th in Superbike TT
Isle of Man. James “Jimmy” Storrar earned a brilliant 16th spot during todays 6 lap Superbike TT round the Mountain Course at the Isle of Man. The BMW S 1000 RR rider had been moved up the start ranking by the officials after his great showings during this week’s Qualifying sessions. In the race itself Jimmy made further ground.
Storrar took off with a strong start to his Superbike TT and was able to get some of his competitors during the first lap already. His two first laps both came with an average speed of over 124 mile per hour which meant P18 at his first pit stop. Storrar then moved on to 17th and held this position the next two laps before coming in for another refuelling. Laps five and six were accomplished safely by the British rider and he took a more than satisfying 16th at the flag.
Storrar lapped the Mountain Course with a total race time of 1:52,11,142 hours, which meant an average speed of 121,006 miles per hour (194,73 km/h).
The Superbike TT victory today went to Michael Dunlop on a BMW S 1000 RR. It’s been the first BMW win in a Solo category on the Isle of Man since 1939 Georg Meier.
Team mate Dan Kruger was not allowed to compete in the Superbike TT. On Saturday evening he got another chance to qualify for the Superstock- and Senior TT. Bad weather cut his practice time short during last week’s sessions and the Canadian is still struggling to get to grips with the complex course.
Jimmy Storrar:
“I am somehow satisfied but as a racer you always want to be quicker. I found a good rhythm right from the word Go and felt comfortable riding out there. The result is ok but I also know where I lose time. I am looking forward to the Superstock TT on Monday already.”
Rico Penzkofer:
“Jimmy’s 16th in the Superbike TT is more than ok – that’s been a massive achievement! We are more than happy! He gave it his all and really enjoyed riding out there, outpacing more than 40 other riders. We only can pull of the hat! I am sure we might expect even more during Monday’s Superstock TT. Dan now needs to qualify for the remaining races. He went round the course in his car a couple of times again and watched some OnBoard footage. All he needs are some more kilometres on the bike, but I am confident this will happen. I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Michael Dunlop and BMW Motorrad to their win in today’s Superbike TT. Great achievement!”
More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:
MARTIN RACES TO IOM TT SUPERBIKE PODIUM
Guy Martin put his Yoshimura-powered GSX-R1000 Tyco Suzuki on the second rung of the podium in today’s thrilling six-lap Superbike TT encounter on the Isle of Man; the Lincolnshire rider posting his 14th career TT podium in the 226-mile sun-drenched race.
Tyco Suzuki team-mate William Dunlop took sixth place with a personal-best TT lap on the sixth and final circuit at 130.239 mph. Martin’s fastest time was on lap-two with a personal best on the day of 130.969 mph.
Guy Martin:
“That was a good effort and I really enjoyed it but I suppose it’s another second place. The bike never missed a beat and the boys did a mega job today, but I have to take my hat off to Michael [Dunlop] as he’s riding well. I knew Conor [Cummins] was catching me on the final lap and I actually thought I might have to re-pass Michael on the road and make an extra big effort, but I right enjoyed that. It’s not even dinner time yet, so I suppose we can go do a day’s work now!”
William Dunlop:
“I wanted to relax today and let the race come to me but I relaxed a bit too much in those opening laps. When Conor came past I could run with him quite easily but made a little mistake into Parliament Square in Ramsey. I’m happy enough with sixth place as the bike worked well and I know there’s more to come in Friday’s Senior. And to knock in my best ever lap on lap six… yeah that was pretty good and shows how well the Tyco Suzuki is working and the confidence I have in the whole package.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“That will do nicely to start race week at TT 2014. We obviously want to win and each year we give it our very best efforts, however I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: these races are not easily-won and it’s important to remember that. Our GSX-R1000s have performed faultlessly all week and both our riders gave their best efforts today, so to come away with both bikes in the top-six and one on the podium is great for us and for our sponsors Tyco Security Products. A big thanks to Guy, William and everyone involved with Tyco Suzuki for their efforts today and we now look forward to pushing for more podiums throughout the week.”
Superbike TT Result [6 laps]: 1 Michael Dunlop [BMW] 1:45:46.384sec/ 128.415mph; 2 Guy Martin [Tyco Suzuki] +20sec; 3 Conor Cummins [Honda] +3sec; 4 Bruce Anstey [Honda] +21sec; 5 Michael Rutter [BMW] +16.4sec; 6 William Dunlop [Suzuki] +10sec; 7 John McGuinness [Honda] +1sec; 8 Dean Harrison [Kawasaki] +41sec; 9 James Hillier [Kawasaki] +24; 10 Josh Brookes [Yamaha] +0.7sec.
Fastest Lap [New Outright Lap Record] – Bruce Anstey [Honda] 132.298mph.