Historic Senior Classic TT: John McGuinness still loves to win

Looking at the entry list for the Historic Senior Classic TT, it feels as though you’re at the Tourist Trophy races in June, as with John McGuinness (start number 1), Dean Harrison (3) and Michael Dunlop (6), three of the fastest road racers are on the starting grid, and with Ben Birchall (35), the most successful sidecar rider in TT history is also taking part in the race. Between them, the quartet have won a total of 80 TT races.

Right from the start, McGuinness demonstrates that, even at 54, he still possesses an unbeatable will to win. With each passing lap, he pulls further clear of his pursuers. In second place is Shaun Anderson, who inflicted a painful defeat on McGuinness in the Historic Senior Classic TT two years ago, followed by last year’s winner, Mike Browne. Dunlop is a long way behind in fourth place, ahead of Harrison, but then retires.

Whilst McGuinness leads comfortably, the battle for second place intensifies. At the Ramsey split time, Anderson was just half a second ahead of Browne. As the bikes ridden by Jamie Coward, Conor Cummins and Harrison failed to withstand the rigours of the Snaefell Mountain Course, Baz Furber moved into fourth place ahead of Harley Rushton and Michael Sweeney.

After two laps, McGuinness leads by half a minute ahead of Browne, who has shaken off Anderson by 2.6 seconds. In his unmistakable style, the 23-time TT winner – who made his Tourist Trophy debut in 1996 – charges towards the finish line. With a lead of more than 26 seconds, the British road racing legend crosses the line ahead of Northern Irishman Anderson. Despite technical problems, the Irishman Browne holds on to third place.

Results: Historic Senior Classic TT, Isle of Man, 24 August 2006

1. John McGuinness (GB), Paton, 3 laps. 2. Shaun Anderson (GB), Paton, 26.872 sec behind. 3. Mike Browne (IRL), Norton, +54.245 sec. 4. Baz Furber (GB), Honda. 5. Will Loder (GB), Seeley. 6. Harley Rushton (GB), Matchless.

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