Plater claims first TT win after Anstey exclusion
Steve Plater won the first Supersport TT after Bruce Anstey who had led from the start and had crossed the line first was disqualified because of a small technical irregularity.
Home
 Relentless Supersport Race 1 Conditions after the lunch break were absolutely perfect; with clear skies, dry roads and calm conditions. The surprise of the afternoon was that Bruce Anstey was on the start line after he was obliged to retire from the earlier Superstock Race due to being unwell. Whatever he took during lunchtime certainly worked because he grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck and with a peerless performance dominated it from start to finish. It seemed that Suzuki domination of the solo classes had continued and that race sponsors had secured victory in their own race. However it was not to be; three hours after receiving the winner’s laurels Anstey had his victory taken from him after it was discovered that the exhaust cam. Measurement was different from that stated in the homologation documents. It was undoubtedly an honest mistake, but one that took the gloss of what was a superb race that provided wonderful entertainment for the crowd and some notable performance throughout the field. Guy Martin led the field away to loud applause; but most of us were not to see him because his Hydrex Honda cried enough at the Highlander. To the astonishment of most and delight of many it was Bruce Anstey who led on corrected time at Glen Helen; Ian Hutchinson, last year’s winner being 1.7s behind; with john McGuinness, Ryan Farquhar, Keith Amor and Ian Lougher completing the top six. Cameron Donald was down in 12th. Conor Cummins had the lead on the road at Waterworks, John McGuinness was next and he had taken back 6s of the starting interval. Anstey was next he had taken his 10 seconds plus 5 metres from Keith Amor. Our timing had Anstey already 10 s ahead of Amor; McGuinness and Farquhar with Hutchinson 5th, Ian Lougher 6th and Steve Plater 7th; those covered by just 1.9s; with Conor Cummins just 0.9s behind Plater who was picking up his pace. Anstey increased his lead further over the mountain to end the lap 12s clear of Amor; but there were just 8.8s covering the next six riders. He continued to stamp his authority on the race and by Ramsey had taken the led on the road, McGuinness was next with Conor Cummins again right in his slipstream. Our watch could not separate McGuinness and Amor, who used a much wider approach to Waterworks than the other top runners; they were 8.9s ahead of Ryan Farquhar. Mats Nilsson was well placed in his first TT race but caused a few heart flutters when he ran very wide at Waterworks 1. Thoughts of last year sprang to mid as Anstey approached the pits; would the Suzuki re-start without cost him time and the race? He was certainly flying; setting a new lap record at 125.372mph, quite amazing. McGuinness entered pit lane just 0.8s up on Amor; with Farquhar 8.7s further behind. Steve Plater and Ian Lougher completed the top six. Anstey was on his way without problem and a rapid stop gave McGuinness an increased advantage over Amor as they left the pits. As they passed us for the third time McGuinness was right behind Anstey, so 20s behind on corrected time. Despite suffering handling and visibility problems caused by broken steering damper John had increased his advantage over Amor to 11s. He in turn had 5s over Farquhar who was just 1s ahead of man on the move Steve Plater, who was circulating with 6th placed Ian Lougher. There was disappointment for Conor Cummins who retired on the mountain due to mechanical problems. Anstey continued serenely on his way to begin his final lap with the race in the bag. McGuinness led Amor by 10.3s but Plater was now just 0.9s behind him and on the charge. Mats Nilsson continued provide some excitement with his novel lines at Waterworks and we also noted with pleasure how well Michael Dunlop was going. At Glen Helen Plater was up to third and closing on the ill handling Honda of McGuinness. At Waterworks the ancient Timex had McGuinness just 3.9s ahead of Plater, with Amor 4th; Farquhar 5th and Lougher 6th. Anstey crossed the line to great acclaim following a ride of great skill, courage and determination. Plater had a great run over the mountain to overhaul McGuinness and claim what he though was second place; but is now his maiden TT in only his second year at the event. Steve’s final lap at 124.363mph proved to be the fastest of the race once the unfortunate Anstey’s efforts had been removed from the records. Amor Farquhar and Lougher held station; with Gary Johnson taking what was now officially 6th place; consolation for his retirement in the Superstock. Notable performances came for Mats Nilsson in 8th; Michael Dunlop in 10th; Oliver Linsdell in 18th; James Hillier in 19th and Jamie Robinson in 20th; the latter two being circuit newcomers. 1. Steve Plater 122.338mph 2. John McGuinness 122.245mph 3. Keith Amor 122.030mph 4. Ryan Farquhar 121.976mph 5. Ian Lougher 121.942mph 6. Gary Johnson 120.981mph 7. Mark Parrett 120.020mph 8. Mats Nilsson 119.879mph 9. Cameron Donald 119.853mph 10 Michael Dunlop 119.850mph 11 Chris Palmer 119.352mph 12 Adrian Archibald 119.102mph
Powered By Traffic Booster Absolute News Manager Plug-in by Xigla Software

This article has been moved here