Early end to Superbike TT for Honda Racing

The six-lap Superbike race at the Isle of Man TT came to an early end for Honda Racing and Guy Martin this afternoon, after a crash on the opening lap saw the team out of contention.

With near-perfect conditions around the 37.73-mile Mountain course the rescheduled race got underway at 2pm. However it wasn’t meant to be after a false neutral caused Martin to crash out of the running at Doran’s Bend, just before the first sector at Glen Helen.

Walking away from the incident, Martin is OK, but has some swelling to his wrist, so sat out of TT Zero practice this evening. With limited track time due to bad weather affecting practice sessions last week, this is another blow to Honda’s TT, where track time for the all-new Fireblade is vital.

The team will now regroup and prepare for Wednesday’s Senior TT practice, ahead of the final blue-riband race on Friday 9 June.

Jonny Twelvetrees

“Well today was not our day! We were looking forward to the Superbike race, but unfortunately we didn’t make it to the first sector. Guy has told us he hit a false neutral at Doran’s, which caused him to run up the curb and then come down. He’s hurt his wrist a little, but he’s fine and nothing serious, it’s just bruised. He’s understandably shaken as it’s a very fast corner, but the main thing is that he’s OK! He decided to sit out of the TT Zero practice this evening just to rest his wrist and get some ice on it. It’s a shame that we didn’t get the six laps, as we need the track time and the data but, he’ll get nine laps in before the Senior on Friday, which with the lack of track time to date, is very welcomed. He’s got two Supersport races, the TT Zero and a one-lap Senior practice – so they will all be crucial. He’s upping his pace in each session and making solid progress, so we now have to wait for the final race, the Senior TT, which we are all looking forward to.”