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MARTIN ALL SET FOR TT OPENER
Hydrex Honda’s Guy Martin will go into tomorrow’s Isle of Man TT Superbike race as one of the pre-race favourites having lapped the Mountain Course during practice in excess of 129mph and the 27-year old will be hoping it’s the day he records his first ever TT win.
With perfect weather conditions on the Island since practice began last Saturday, Guy has been steadily improving the handling on his Superbike machine and with the stability issues overcome, and with the performance more to his liking, a lap on Wednesday night of 129.168mph put him right in the ballpark.
Although he is yet to break the magical 130mph barrier, he will line up for the 6-lap race as the fourth quickest rider and, starting at number 8, he will be in prime position to see his rivals ahead of him.
Guy is also currently well placed for Monday’s Superstock race with his lap on Thursday evening of 126.054mph placing him fifth on the leaderboard.
Speaking on Friday, Guy commented:
“The weather has been absolutely mint all week and we’ve been able to concentrate fully on the set-up of the bikes. The good conditions have meant I’ve been able to go fast from the start in each session to get the best out of the bike and although we’ve had a few stability issues, we’ve been chipping away and have been going in the right direction each night. The big bike’s still not 100% but we’re not too far away and I’m confident a couple more tweaks prior to the race will put us in great shape. The boys have all been working hard so let’s hope tomorrow’s the day I get that first TT win.”
Hydrex Honda team boss Shaun Muir added:
“I’ve been very pleased with how Guy and his team have been working all week and the times have put us there or thereabouts in each class. He’s still looking for that last 1% but he always performs to his maximum in the races so I’m confident he’ll be at the sharp end come race day. We’re obviously hoping he can break his TT duck and get a win but podium places would also be a great result for everyone connected with the team so we’re hoping for a strong, and safe, race week.”
The 6-lap Dainese Superbike race will get underway at 12.00pm tomorrow. (Depending on weather)
Phil Wain
Picture courtesy of Stephen Davison – Pacemaker Press International