McGuinness revels in record breaking lap
The 130mph-lap has finally been recorded and, as expected, it was John McGuinness who set the new outright lap record.
He smashed his own benchmark on the second lap of today's six-lap Senior TT, before going on to take the win, his 13th TT victory.
After the race the Morecambe rider explained how he breached the 130, and hinted at a possible retirement.
He said:
'It was absolutely amazing wasn't it. All week they have been talking about it, probably for months I have been talking about it, I knew it was definitely going to be on.'
'The track was a bit dusty, there was a bit of oil at Sarah's and a bit of oil or fuel at Guthrie's and that took a few seconds, but I really went for it on the second lap. I really tried hard on the second lap. There was a bit of squally mist on the Mountain, which was a bit of a shock, but the track was in good shape on lap two and I thought if there is ever going to be a time to do a 130mph lap lap two was the time to do it, half a fuel load, the tyres, everything working brilliantly, grip on the track. I really pushed hard on lap two.'
'I heard the Grandstand rear up and thought I might have done it, there was such a cheer, and at Quarterbridge and Braddan Bridge, all around the course on lap three. I think everyone appreciated I had done 130mph. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did!'
'I remember sitting on the bank at Rhencullen when Steve Hislop did the first 120, now I have done the first 130. It is somethng special, I really enjoyed it.'
While McGuinness was pushing hard to extend his lead over Hydrex Honda's Guy Martin, who finished the race second, he said his team played a vital role, as did the HM Plant Honda machine.
McGuinness said:
'I had a really good go over the Mountain, where I feel quite strong. I came in (to the pits) with a 10 second lead and went out with a 17 second lead I think, so I don't know what the boys do in the pits, they must have a magic wand or something, but they seem to be able to get me out a bit sooner than the other boys.
'It it testament to the team. The whole package for the last two years has been amazing. It is exactly the same bike I rode last year, so that bike has won the last four TTs in Superbike trim. I just hope they will let me keep it for my collection!'
'It wasn't easy to win, on a big bike it is never easy. I was puffing and panting the first couple of laps, I'm not getting any younger! The next four laps I thoroughly enjoyed, I really, really enjoyed it. I kept the revs down a little bit, I didn't chase the bike too hard, I just concentrated all the way.'
'I would really like to thank all the spectators, marshals, all the administrators, everyone involved in this Centenary TT, I think it has been sensational. Lets keep it going for another 100 years.'
'I cannot believe I have done it, I might just hang my leathers up now, let's see.'