'Speechless' McGuinness admits he never thought he'd win a Superbike TT again
John McGuinnness has admitted he thought he’d never win another big bike TT race after failing to take a single podium place during last year’s event.
However, the Morecambe star returned to form in stunning style during Saturday’s Dainese Superbike TT, the opening race of the 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
McGuiness said:
"I'm speechless really and it's unbelievable to be sitting here now with another Superbike win to my name, for some reason I never thought I'd do it.”
The Honda TT Legend star enjoyed an early battle with Padgetts Honda racer Bruce Anstey until the Kiwi retired on lap three of the six-lap race. McGuinness continued to take the chequered flag by 56 seconds for his 16th TT win.
Starting at number 1, McGuinness set off at a scorching pace and by Glen Helen on the opening lap, he was leading, albeit by just one second. Anstey was matching him mile-for-mile though and at the end of the first lap, a speed of 130.786mph saw the lead for McGuinness stand at just one second. On lap two the duo were scorching round the Mountain Course and although McGuinnness increased his speed to 131.199mph, Anstey lapped slightly quicker to lead at one third race distance by just under a second. However, a superb pit stop saw McGuinness leave the pits back in the lead by some 12 seconds, an advantage that remained until later in the lap when Anstey was forced to retire. That left McGuinness with a lead of 20 seconds over new second placed man Guy Martin.
For the remainder of the race, McGuinness was able to control affairs from the head of the field, his gap over Martin staying constant. When the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing retired on the fifth lap, McGuinness was more than a minute clear of his nearest rival and able to fully enjoy the race. With the Honda Superbike running faultlessly, McGuinness eased off slightly in the closing stages and crossed the line ahead of Wilson Craig Honda rider Cameron Donald.
McGuinness added:
“Bruce was pushing really hard at the beginning and I dropped back a bit as I was a bit tense and blowing a bit whilst my arms were also pumping up a bit. I had a real good go on the second lap and only just stopped in time when I came in to the pits so probably made up a bit of time there, but the pit stop was terrific and the boys did an awesome job on both occasions. They're people who I trust and who have been with me a long time and that gave me a bit of breathing space whilst Bruce going out soon after obviously helped”
“Going off at number 1 and riding for essentially a new team created a bit of pressure and I was definitely nervous, but as the race wore on I felt stronger and stronger so all the riding in World Endurance has definitely paid off. Seeing such a huge crowd out there cheering me on was a really special feeling and I want to thank them and also let my good mate Stuart Easton know that win's for him."
McGuinness will be back in action as the TT continues on Monday with the first Monster Energy Supersport Race and the Royal London 360 Superstock TT