News 5 Jun 2009

RR: Donald records fastest ever lap during IoM TT practice

Relentless Suzuki PR:

Relentless Suzuki rider Cameron Donald tonight added his name to the Isle of Man TT history books, recording the first ever 131mph lap around the famous 37.73-mile circuit on his GSX–R1000 Superbike.

Donald had increased his personal best to 129mph from a standing start during Thursday night’s practice, but the Melbourne lad’s flying lap followed later in the session, making him the current King of Mountain.

Kiwi Bruce Anstey opened his Superbike session with a standing start lap of 126mph, before upping the pace with a phenomenal personal best of 130.129mph. Anstey and Donald now join John McGuinness, as the only three riders ever, to have broken the 130mph barrier.

Cameron Donald
“I can’t believe the lap was so good as I was just cruising and I also got caught behind a couple of top riders who were hard to pass. The lap felt really comfortable on my GSX–R1000 Superbike and I didn’t even look at the clock when I crossed the line. I’m not counting my chickens just yet, but this sets us up well for Saturday’s race.”

Bruce Anstey
“The Superbike is now working really well, so we’re almost there. It’s obviously nice to have clocked a magical 130mph lap, but I have been cruising all night and I’m not even pushing hard yet; I’m saving myself for Saturday. The team has worked hard all week and I’m relaxed and in the right frame of mind.”

Philip Neill – Team Principal
“Now we are back on track. Practice is not racing and as Cameron said to me afterwards, ‘it wasn’t a perfect lap’, but the GSX–R1000 Superbike is working well for both of the boys. I must admit, it is pleasing to have recorded the first ever 131mph lap; it’s a TT milestone not only for Cameron and TAS Racing, but also for Suzuki, Relentless and all our other loyal sponsors. Cameron and Bruce were awesome tonight, and after a few small problems that only ever occur at the TT, we are now looking forward to Saturday’s TT Superbike race with optimism.

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