McGuinness, Anstey and David Johnson the big winners at the TT

WITH the Isle of Man Classic TT getting off to a shaky start as bad weather enveloped the island, the weather gods got their act together for race weekend as the sun shone and the crowds enjoyed some stunning racing.

RST Superbike Classic TT results

Australian David Johnson took the spoils in the RST Superbike Classic TT race onboard his Alastair Cowen Racing Kawasaki, finishing more than a second ahead of second placed Derek Sheils. Johnson’s victory was all but sealed when race leader Michael Dunlop retired at Hillberry, gifting the popular Aussie the win.

After the race he said, “To make the bikes quick they are really hard to ride. I’m really happy because I put everything into it and a huge thanks to Alistair Cowan and the team. I was going to wave to the Australian fans at Hillberry on the last lap but then when I saw Michael Dunlop had retired, I got my head down.”

Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT Race results

Bruce Anstey produced one of the most popular results in Classic TT history at the weekend, as he won the Lightweight Classic TT following a two-year absence while he battled cancer. Riding his Milenco Padgetts Honda 250 GP machine.

Clinching the win by a minute from his teammate Davey Todd, Anstey had taken the lead by the opening checkpoint at Glen Helen, going on to clock a 117.053mph opening lap. After the race the Kiwi was quick to thank the Padgetts team, saying: “It’s awesome to win. I can’t believe it. Everyone – the team, Clive (Padgett), my family have just been awesome. I was right in the zone but on the last lap I was really nervous and just short shifted – I was not trying to go fast – just get it to the end. The last two years have been really tough. If it wasn’t for Anny (his partner) I wouldn’t be here.”

Another notable mention should go to eight-time sidecar TT race winner Dan Sayle, who is getting back to full fitness after sustaining a serious injury at last year’s Classic TT. Sayle was running as high as fourth at mid-distance, eventually bringing his Honda home in seventh place.

Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race results

John McGuinness clinched his third win in the Senior Classic TT class, taking his total to 26 wins around the Mountain Course. With the larger capacity Patons let off the leash (when the race distance was cut to three laps, the smaller capacity bike loose the advantage of not having to pit), McGuinness had already pulled out a 17-second lead at the end of lap one, clocking a time of 111.679mph.

Maria Costello was riding well in third place, before being overtaken by Jamie Coward at Ramsey on the second lap.

Pos No. Rider Machine/Entrant Time Speed Subclass Replica