McGuinness celebrates record breaking Dainese Superbike TT
TT great John McGuinness has admitted he felt under pressure to perform in the Dainese Superbike TT.
The 2009 Isle of Man TT marks the 50th anniversary of Honda’s involvement in racing, and McGuinness is leading the Japanese giant’s bid for victory in the Island.
Despite the pressure, McGuinness took the HM Plant Honda Superbike to victory – his 15th TT win – a new outright lap record, 130.442mph, and a new race record.
He came home more than 18 seconds clear of teammate Steve Plater at the end of six enthralling laps, and established his place as the second most successful rider in TT history, now only bettered by the legendary Joey Dunlop.
McGuinness said:
‘Conditions were a bit dusty to begin with and there wasn't much grip out there to begin with but I had a good go from the start and was able to make a bit of a break.’
‘I saw +4, +8 and then +11, but I was strong in some parts and weak in others so had to keep pushing. I had a real good go on the fifth lap and got stuck in, especially on the bottom part of the circuit, and that allowed me to make the break properly.’
‘I was feeling a bit of pressure what with it being Honda's 50th anniversary of road racing so I was glad to repay them back and with a Honda 1-2-3, it's been a perfect day.’
‘I'm proud to have won my 15th TT and to have increased my outright lap record so thanks to everyone for their support, I hope all the fans out there enjoyed it today.’