Tuesday June 9, 2009 at 2:35pm
With three different race leaders and the lap record tumbling the Relentless Supersport TT race really was something special. The man to stand on the top step of the podium following the arduous battle was Ian Hutchinson who dug deep to hold on during the race and came out on top for his efforts.
Joining him on the podium was Guy Martin in second and Keith Amor in third place.
On the first lap it was Bruce Anstey on the Relentless Suzuki who jumped into the lead, but by Ramsey hairpin Martin on his Hydrex Honda eased in front by just 0.35secs. Martin also broke the lap record with an average speed of 125.375mph.
On lap two it was all change as Anstey got stuck in and caught back up to Martin gapping him by an impressive three seconds. The lap record fell again and this time went to Anstey with a speed of 126.549mph. After the pit stop on lap two the race really hotted up as Anstey started to sprint ahead pulling a nine second gap.
Hutchinson on the Padgetts Honda had moved into second place as Martin dropped back to third, and looked to be in danger of losing the position as Keith Amor on the Wilson Craig Honda gathered pace.
The last lap was high drama as the leader Anstey pulled in at Brandywell and it was later reported that he ran out of fuel. This gifted the lead to Hutchinson who was stunned to pick up his second TT win.
Hutchinson said: “I knew it was close after the pit stop as I caught John McGuinness on the road and he let me by. Then I got to Glen Helen and there were yellow flags so I thought ‘oh no,’ Bruce passed me just after that. The last two laps were manic with me, Guy and Bruce going for it. The last lap was messy as we were all trying to beat each other. Everyone needs to fight but we held each other up. I’ve got to say thank to Padgetts and all my sponsors. A lot of people win one TT so I’m glad I’ve now won two.”
Martin said: “I’m never excited about second as I’m here to win but my head gasket went on the second lap and there was water everywhere. You can see it on the on board camera. I must admit I was thinking about what I was going to do to the guy who built my engine! To be fair I’m pretty happy with second place considering the problem we had and I was just riding round. I’m glad I kept going as I was looking for a decent pub to pull in at.”
Amor said: “That was hectic. It was enjoyable but frustrating at the same time. I needed more speed to break away but I’m finally on the box I just have two more steps to go. My Wilson Craig team has worked hard and it is a small team so it is nice to take the fight to the big boys.”
There will be more race action this evening with the Royal London 360 Superstock race, running over four laps and starting at 18.30.