print
Isle of Man TT Festival 2006 – Senior TT Overview
Bruce Anstey became the second quickest rider in Isle of Man TT history on Friday
June 9th, completing a successful week for both the Kiwi and the TAS Suzuki team.
Entering into the blue riband Senior TT for superbike machinery, Anstey had already
recorded a win in the Superstock class and a podium in the Supersport event.
With the disappointment of the TT Superbike event firmly behind him, Bruce battled
his way up the leader–board in the 6–lap race finishing in a fine
third place.
Race Overview
Anstey out–braked himself into Ballacraine on the opening nine–mile
stretch of road, not before brushing a hedge at Ballaspur which had the highly–charged
TAS Suzuki pilot in a lowly sixth place at the end of the first lap. Never to
be out done, the 36–year–old Windsor based rider posted a second
lap of 127.168mph lifting him into fifth place at the first ‘dip for fuel’ on
the Glencrutchery Road at the end of lap two.
On lap three the Kiwi continued his surge up the leaderboard and by the time
he pitted at the end of lap four he was fighting for a podium position with Welshman
Ian Lougher, also taking 11 seconds out of second placed man Cameron Donald from
Australia. On the penultimate lap Bruce continued to edge out his advantage on
Lougher while also closing the gap on Donald – then came that blistering
final account – a lap of 17 minutes 32.56 seconds; 129.045mph and less
than three seconds outside the outright lap record set on the second lap by John
McGuinness, leaving him just four seconds adrift of Donald at the chequered flag.
Team–mate Adrian Archibald closed his TT week with a solid 12th place.
Dogged by teething problems throughout the fortnight Archibald posted his fastest
lap on the opening circuit with a speed of 122.332mph. Newcomer Mark Miller riding
a stock GSX–R750 Suzuki, closed his account at the TT with a lap of 119.836mph
finishing in an impressive 24th place and the first 750cc machine to take the
chequered flag.
Bruce Anstey – New Zealand
“That first lap was awful: I ran out of road braking for Ballacraine then
I hit a bush just around the corner from there. I had to start from afresh but
it took me quite a while to find a rhythm. On the final lap I was negotiating
lots of traffic so the lap time could well have topped 130mph with a clear track.
Three podiums and one win is a pretty good and shows the quality of the TAS Suzuki
machinery.”
Adrian Archibald – Northern Ireland
“It was always going to be difficult with little or no practice on the
superbike and we ran out of time to prepare it exactly to my liking. I rode round
the problems in the Senior race but I haven’t been at my best this week.
Nothing really clicked for me this year and when that happens its better to ride
within yourself and be safe – the TT does not forgive mistakes.”
Mark Miller – U.S.A
“I set a goal of reaching the 115mph barrier but I must admit I’m
now slightly disappointed not to have topped 120mph – maybe that’s
being greedy! I have really enjoyed my first year at the TT and riding for TAS
Suzuki has been an invaluable experience. I’ll be back for sure in 2007
and hopefully then Philip and Hector will let me loose on one of those awesome
superbikes!”
Philip Neill – Team Manager
“What can I say about that performance? The lap times and speeds around
this place are getting out of order! Bruce rode a superb race and only for his
little blip on lap one I would say he could have been a lot closer to John McGuinness,
but that’s racing and John can only be commended on his results this week.
I have been massively impressed with Bruce this year: his attitude, his discipline
and his feedback to the team have been flawless. Adrian was never expected to
produce miracles coming back into the team at such a late stage but as usual
his demeanour was perfect – he’s a true professional and I’m
sure he has a lot more to offer.
Mark Miller has been a breath of fresh air and
to see someone enjoying our set–up and the TT as he has done makes it all
worthwhile. Three podiums including one win for the TAS Suzuki machinery is exceptional
taking into consideration the lap times being posted this year. The quality at
this year’s event [riders and teams] is as good as I ever remember it.
The Centenary in 2007 is shaping up to be something very special indeed.”