Cameron Donald and Bruce Anstey both left an indelible mark on today’s prestigious six-lap Senior TT on the Isle of Man. On his GSX–R1000 K8 Relentless Suzuki Superbike [a bike Anstey said, was the best he’s ever ridden] the flying Kiwi led at the end of laps one and two, before being forced to retire in pit lane with a broken chain.
His teammate Cameron Donald then took the challenge to John McGuinness with the lead swapping between the pair on more than five occasions during the six-lap thriller. But with only one lap remaining, Donald’s Relentless Suzuki began leaking oil from a crankcase wound, caused by the constant pounding at the bottom of Barragarrow. Not content to pull out of the race, the 30-year-old Aussie nursed his ‘sick’ Suzuki home in a valiant effort that was rewarded with second place in the world’s highest profile pure road race.
Cameron Donald“I was just watching my board on those opening laps – I was just winding it up and winding it up, then when Bruce went out I knew it was time to boogie! When I got P1 +5 then P1 +7, I knew it was working and I was prepared to put in a big last lap that I knew John could not answer. Unfortunately when I got to the Nook on lap five I looked down and saw oil on my boot. I though it was just a breather pipe problem and kept pushing as the GSX–R1000 motor was pulling like a freight train. I’d had no real moments in the race but when I got to Sulby on the last lap I knew I had big problems and just short shifted over the Mountain – I was lucky to get it home. It’s a great result for Relentless Suzuki, but a real pity as I had the race in the bag. That’s the TT. Thanks to the lads who’ve worked really hard for over two weeks and also to Suzuki, Relentless and all our sponsors for making this TT so successful.”
Bruce Anstey“I wasn’t even pushing hard on those first two laps, that bike was so, so good. I had a lot more to give and I was well in control of the race. There were no moments, I was enjoying my race then I heard this clicking and the bike was rattling like mad when I accelerated hard out of Creg Ny Baa on lap two. I pulled into the pits and that was my race over. I’m pretty disappointed because the GSX–R1000 that I was riding is the best superbike I’ve ever ridden… ever. That race was mine, but regardless, I think I made my presence felt and also proved that I can win a big race at the TT. Thanks to the whole team and all our sponsors. I think it’s fair to say Relentless Suzuki dominated this year’s TT.”
Philip Neill – Team Principal“What more can I say? That was some Senior TT and both our riders were more than good enough to win it today, but you definitely need a bit of luck around this place. It’s been a long hard fortnight for everyone in the team, but to lead today’s race for most of the laps and not take the win is more frustrating that disappointing. For Cameron to have taken the race to John McGuinness like he did has left us all feeling very proud. Before today we would have settled for a podium in the race and the overall combined victory in the two superbike races. Cameron did that and lifted the Joey Dunlop trophy and nice little bonus, but he proved to everyone around the circuit that he had enough in the tank to beat John in a head to head.
Bruce was equally as good and for a chain link to break… well, you just can’t legislate for that. I think he would have been as prolific a winner, had that not happened, as he was on Wednesday. To be honest, I would like to have seen Bruce getting the big bike win he has wanted so badly for many years, although he certainly silenced the critics who have said for years that he isn’t good enough to win a superbike TT.
We must remain positive as this puts us in a very strong position for 2009. The 2008 TT has been massively successful for Suzuki. I’d just like to close the week by thanking Suzuki, Relentless, Pirelli, Leo Vince, Putoline, Beacon Security and all our associated sponsors.”
Results - Senior Superbike TT [6 laps]:Winner: John McGuinness [Honda] 1hour 46mins 47.69 [127.186mph]
2nd: Cameron Donald [Relentless Suzuki] 1hour 47mins 38.64 [126.183mph]3rd: Ian Hutchinson [Yamaha] 1hour 48mins 29.44 [125.198mph]
