Superstock success for HM Plant Honda

HM Plant Honda's John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson claimed more success today at the Isle of Man TT Superstock race, with both riders finishing on the podium.

The two Honda riders got away quickly around the 37.73-mile circuit; reaching the first check-point at Ballaugh Bridge with Hutchinson in second and McGuinness in third position with just 0.4 seconds between them.

It was McGuinness who then began pushing hard to make up time, and on arrival at the halfway point on lap one at the Ramsey Hairpin, the 35-year-old was in front of his team-mate by 0.49 seconds.

The race-leader, Bruce Anstey, was already 12.95 seconds in front by the end of the lap one and neither McGuinness or Hutchinson were able to respond in the hot conditions.

Fellow Honda rider Guy Martin caught Hutchinson towards the end of lap two before retiring, allowing the 27-year-old back into third position. The Yorkshireman was ahead of Martin Finnegan by nearly 10 seconds and continued to stretch that gap throughout the race.

The HM Plant Honda team executed two smooth pit-stops at the end of the second lap with both riders maintaining their positions on the start of lap three.

With 21 seconds between the two HM Plant Honda riders, McGuinness and Hutchinson looked unlikely to exchange positions and were also unable to make any impression on the race leader, bringing their Dunlop-shod CBR1000RR's to a very credible second and third place finish.

John McGuinness

Isle of Man TT Superstock race: P2

“I was really trying today and thoroughly enjoyed the race. I felt I couldn't go any faster and when I saw minus five seconds on my pit board I felt a bit deflated. I pushed really hard and the Honda Fireblade never missed a beat – the results are a testament to just how good these bikes are on the roads. Bruce just took it to the next level so all credit to him. I'm not disappointed, the pit-stop went well and I could only do my best which I did. It was great fun and great to see so many people enjoying the weather around the circuit.”

Ian Hutchinson

Isle of Man TT Superstock race: P3

“I’m a lot happier with the race today. I rode the absolute wheels off the bike and thought it was unbelievable to be five seconds behind at the end of the first lap so I got stuck in and got my head down. The conditions were perfect and both John and I proved how good the Honda is on the roads – the times were astonishing. I really enjoyed the race, I was in no-man’s land for most of it with 20 seconds between the rider in front and behind but overall I’m pleased with the result.”

Team Manager Neil Tuxworth

“We're very happy to have both HM Plant Honda riders on the podium. I felt both John and Ian rode exceptionally well but all we can do is congratulate Bruce Anstey on his performance today.”