Honda’s CBR600RR Dominates TT Supersport

Ian Hutchinson took his first ever TT victory when he claimed this week's dramatic and record-breaking PokerStars Supersport race by just 2.84 seconds.

The HM Plant Honda rider seized control at half race distance when early leader Bruce Anstey's Suzuki refused to fire as he left the pits and the Bingley rider needed no second invitation.

The race went all the way to the chequered flag though and no less than ten seconds covered the top four with John McGuinness taking second once more, this time on the Padgett's Honda, ahead of Guy Martin (Hydrex Honda) and Anstey. All four riders broke the old lap record with Martin taking it on the final lap at 125.161mph.

It was Anstey who set the pace in the early stages and with two lap records in the first two laps, including the first ever 125mph lap on a 600cc machine, he seemingly had the race under control. His advantage was always slight though but as he came into the pits he was four and a half seconds ahead of McGuinness with Hutchinson seven seconds back in third.

Martin was less than half a second adrift in fourth but two riders already out of luck were Adrian Archibald and Michael Rutter who were forced to retire on the first and second laps respectively.

As the riders left the pits, Anstey's machine refused to start and it took almost the entire length of pit lane before it chimed into life. He had lost 23 seconds in total but it was Hutchinson who was now in the lead with his team getting him in and out quicker than the opposition and he was now seven seconds in the lead. McGuinness was still in second with Martin promoted to third and the luckless Anstey down in fourth.

The Kiwi clawed back Hutchinson's advantage on the road but he was unable to make any further ground so all eyes were now focused on the three way dice for the lead. Matching each other at each section of the course, it was only on the Mountain run that McGuinness was able to make any impression but as they went into their final lap Hutchy still held sway by 5 seconds.

It was a similar story on the final lap and McGuinness, Anstey and Martin broke the lap record in quick succession but Hutchinson's final lap of 124.483mph was enough to see him take his first TT win, firmly vindicating Honda's decision to sign him in the close season. McGuinness had to accept second behind his close friend whilst Martin got his second podium of the week just ahead of Anstey.

The CBR600RR is now available in Australian dealers nationally for $15,290 (not including Dealer delivery and on road costs).

Results Supersport TT

Pl / Name / Machine / Team / Time / MPH
1 / Ian Hutchinson / 2007 Honda CBR 600cc / H M Plant Honda Racing / 1h 13' 29.11" / 123.23
2 / John McGuinness / 2007 Honda CBR 600cc / Padgetts Honda / 1h 13' 31.95" / 123.15
3 / Guy Martin / 2007 Honda 600cc / Hydrex Honda / 1h 13' 35.92" / 123.04
4 / Bruce Anstey / 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600cc / Relentless by TAS / 1h 13' 38.27" / 122.97
5 / Nigel Beattie/ 2007 Yamaha R6 600cc / CD Racing / Millsport / 1h 15' 03.59 "/ 120.64
6 / Conor Cummins / 2007 Yamaha YZF R6 600cc / Team Millsport / 1h 15' 10.08 "/ 120.47
7 / Ryan Farquhar/ 2007 Kawasaki ZX6 600cc / Harker Racing / 1h 15' 14.46 "/ 120.35
8 / Steve Plater / 2007 Yamaha R6 600cc / AIM Racing / 1h 15' 14.93 "/ 120.34
9 / Chris Palmer/ 2005 Honda CBR 600cc / Solway Slate &Tile / 1h 15' 15.20" / 120.33
10 / Ian Lougher / 2007 Honda CBR 600cc Team Blackhorse Racing / 1h 15' 34.94 "/ 119.81
11 / Dan Stewart / 2006 Yamaha R6 600cc / Wilcock Consulting / 1h 15' 41.99 "/ 119.62
12 / Keith Amor / 2005 Honda RR 600cc / Wilson Craig / Uel Dunc / 1h 15' 45.03 "/ 119.54
13 / Martin Finnegan / 2007 Honda CBR 600cc / Alpha Boilers Racing / 1h 16' 05.56 "/ 119
14 / Ian Pattinson / 2006 Honda CBR 600cc / Martin Bullock Racete / 1h 16' 08.61 "/ 118.92
15 / Jimmy Moore / 2007 Honda CBR 600cc / Team Blackhorse / 1h 16' 22.98 "/ 118.55