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Isle of Man TT Festival 2006 - Superstock Race [4 laps] – Race
Overview
TAS riders Bruce Anstey and Mark Miller handed Suzuki a double ‘showroom’ victory
in the Scottish Life International TT Superstock race earlier today [Monday],
proving that the GSX–R Suzuki machines are very much top of their production
classes. Anstey, the winner of this event for the past two years started with
a blistering 125mph lap from a standing start to fend off the challenge of Ian
Hutchinson, and after 115 miles of racing with one lap remaining, less than two
seconds covered the pair. On the final circuit Anstey turned the screw on his
GSX–R1000 TAS Suzuki posting a lap of 126.20mph to take the win from Hutchinson
and Jason Griffiths.
Miller from Long Beach in California was making his TT debut and a stunning final
lap of 117.91mph gave him the distinction of being the first 750cc machine to
cross the line, completing a prolific production race double for the Suzuki marque.
Current lap record holder Adrian Archibald had another day to forget when his
throttle developed a slight technical problem. This should have forced the Ballymoney
man to retire, but a resilient and dogged effort put Adrian inside the top six
on the opening lap. Unfortunately the problem deteriorated during the 150–mile
race forcing him down the leader–board; he eventually finished in 11th
position.
Bruce Anstey
“After a tough day on Saturday I knew the TAS team would bounce back with
a result and this proves how determined we are. The GSX–R1000 Suzuki was
perfect for the entire race and our tyre choice worked well – the Pirelli
tyres were faultless. I always had something in reserve today when I needed it
and just kept an eye on my pit boards around the circuit. This gives me plenty
of confidence now for the Supersport race on Wednesday.”
Mark Miller
“I’m made up. I came here looking to conquer the 115mph target and
we have achieved that today. Obviously I’m still learning but this finish
proved how strong and reliable the new GSX–R750 is – a superb bike
to ride as a newcomer at the Isle of Man TT. I’m on the same machine in
Friday’s Senior so I’ll be looking to increase those lap speeds should
the conditions be favourable. Thanks to all the boys in the team.”
Adrian Archibald
“I knew we had a problem within the first couple of miles and it was such
a silly wee problem but one that makes the difference between winning and losing
a TT. My first lap wasn’t bad at 123mph but it became more and more difficult
as the race went on, so to finish was a bonus. I’m not too despondent and
I’ll be looking for better results on Wednesday and Friday.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager
“Bruce was superb today and delivered the goods under a certain amount
of pressure, proving that the GSX–R1000 Suzuki, for the third year in a
row, is without doubt the top machine in its class. There were yellow flags being
waved on the final circuit, which Ian Hutchinson thought cost him the win, but
Bruce went through only a matter of seconds before Ian – so both riders
had identical conditions to deal with.
Mark Miller is delighted with his result, as are the team. The new GSX–R750
is a fantastic new bike; for Mark to finish as the top 750 runner, and the second
newcomer home having never seen the circuit before last week is astounding.
I felt for Adrian, as he has had to deal with more bad luck today, although he
demonstrated a lot of character finishing the race when others would have retired.
Wednesday will be another tough [Supersport 600] race but we are quietly confident
of a good result.”
6 June 2006