Keith Amor said despite enduring a ‘topsy turvy’ 2008 Isle of Man TT, he has proved how competitive he can be around the famous Mountain circuit.
The Falkirk rider had been hoping to finish the two-week festival on a high, but was left disappointed when he was forced to retire from the six-lap Dainese Senior TT.
Amor was holding a strong position in the top 10 before the Wilson Craig Honda developed an electrical problem on lap five.
Retiring while running well was the story of the 2008 TT for Amor. He mixed it with the top 10 in every one of his five races, but had to pull out of three due to mechanical problems.
There was some consolation in the first Relentless Supersport Race when he finished fourth only to later be promoted to third place following the disqualification of Bruce Anstey. It was Amor’s first TT podium.
There were other highlights, including a new personal best lap speed – at an average 125.76mph – making him the 18th fastest person ever around the 37¾ mile course, reinforcing his position as the TT’s fastest Scotsman.
Reflecting on his 2008 TT, Amor said:
‘It’s certainly been a topsy turvy race week and, to be fair, I haven’t got the results I would have liked, but the rostrum in the Supersport race showed what I’m capable of around here.’
‘The races were very tough and the competition high, but, for only my second year, I think we’ve more than proved how competitive we can be and it’s only a couple of mechanical issues that have prevented me from finishing all five races inside the top 10.’
‘We struggled a bit with the big bike, firstly with the set up and then with the fuel, but I felt good in the Senior and was looking good for around sixth to eighth place until the electrics started to playing up.’
‘It eventually ground to halt up on the Mountain again so it was shame for the week to end like that and even more frustrating that I’ve got to wait another year before coming back here!’
‘I’m pleased with how I rode all fortnight and happy to have gone quicker and improved my speeds so that’s very encouraging. It’s been a hard two weeks, but I love this place so we’ll be back next year stronger than ever.’
‘I’d like to thank all the boys in the Wilson Craig team for their hard work and also to Dunlop who gave me some terrific tyres for the job, everyone’s support has been invaluable.’
Amor is back in action on June 21st and 22nd at his local circuit, Knockhill.