Motorcycling
New Zealander Bruce Anstey, riding the Padgett's Havoline Honda Fireblade, took a thrilling RST Superbike race win in the Isle of Man yesterday.
The flying Kiwi stormed around the TT mountain circuit in record race time for the six laps of the 37-mile road circuit.
In a fascinating encounter, major drama unfolded as Michael Dunlop and a back marker were reported to have collided at the Nook section of the circuit just over a mile from the finish line.
Dunlop did return to the paddock via an ambulance later and was able to walk away from the incident with minor leg injuries.
Brinley's Ian Hutchinson on the PBM Kawasaki lead at the end of lap one from Ballymoney's Michael Dunlop and Anstey, the race only became alive in the final two laps after the second and final pit stop.
Crowd favourite Guy Martin, on the Tyco BMW, only lasted six miles when he was forced to retire out of the race at Ballagarey on the opening lap.
By Glen Helen on the final lap, Anstey had extended his lead to a four second gap over Hutchinson who was trying his best to bridge the gap between him and Anstey.
Such was Hutchinson's effort that he was clocked at an amazing 194mph on the Sulby straight on the final lap.
Michael Dunlop was also clocked at over 191mph and this pair looked to be on course to set a new absolute circuit lap record.
With just the mountain section of the circuit to ride for Anstey, it was becoming clear that the New Zealander was going to take his 10th TT win and his first Superbike victory at the event.
His lead had opened up to six seconds over Hutchinson who had Dunlop breathing down his neck and giving it 110 per cent on his final lap.
Anstey crossed the line with a final lap speed of 131.797mph to take the win from Hutchinson with just under 11 seconds to spare.
With Dunlop crashing out, this paved the way for James Hillier on the Quatro Kawasaki to take third place in front of fourth place man John McGuinness on the Factory Honda with William Dunlop taking fifth place on the Tyco BMW.
Only six riders where able to take the chequered flag as the incident involving Dunlop had caused the red flags to come out hence stopping the race. Gary Johnson who was holding onto fifth place also crashed out at Guthrie's on the final lap thankfully unhurt.
