By What can you say about Bruce Anstey, the man is a absolute one-off, a true hero, true fighter, true super human exponent of pure road racing.
In fine form throughout practice week, you couldn’t but not be pleased for the legendary New Zealander after his health struggles in recent times, as he returned to the race winners circle this evening, triumphing in the Dunlop Lightweight race.
Over a minute clear of nearest challenger, Milenco by Padgetts team mate Davey Todd, the ‘Flying Kiwi’ was in a class of his own in the three lap Lightweight race, which began at 6:45 PM.
Anstey who we also must mention set the fastest lap of the race, from a standing start lapping at 117.05 mph, tumultuous, well deserved great victory takes his tally of combined Classic TT/TT victories to 16, plus enhances his overall haul of Mountain Course podium finishes to an incredible 44.
Joining Anstey, IRRC Superbike Champion Todd on the podium was unofficial new Manx GP ‘Tommy Club’ member James Hind.
Hind who led the challenge to runaway race victor Anstey on lap 1, chance of recording a podium placing looked to have vanished having incurred a thirty second pit-lane speeding penalty, after completing his scheduled pit stop.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Despite the imposed handicap, 19 year old Hind showing huge determination, battled his way back up to third on the leader board on lap three, which he maintained to the chequered flag.
Fourth behind reigning Newcomers B Manx GP runner-up Hind was Welsh roads great, lead Laylaw Racing challenger Ian Lougher.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Fifth went to lead Binch Racing squad member Jamie Coward whilst two stroke specialist Rhys Hardisty, also enjoyed a very productive three lap stint on route to finishing a very creditable sixth.
Completing the first ten finishers were eight times Sidecar TT winner Dan Sayle (John Chapman Racing), Gary Vines (Binch Racing), Phil Harvey (Laylaw Racing) and Steven Howard (Howard Racing).
Added strong results were banked by the likes of Tom Snow (11th), James Ford (14th), Richard Lambourne (15th), Christopher Dowling (16th), Mike Carter (18th), Will Loder (19th) and Adrian Morris (20th).
Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT race result, is as follows:
1 Bruce Anstey
2 Davey Todd
3 James Hind
4 Ian Lougher
5 Jamie Coward
6 Rhys Hardisty
7 Dan Sayle
8 Gary Vines
9 Phil Harvey
10 Steven Howard
11 Tom Snow
12 John Barton
13 Alex Sinclair
14 James Ford
15 Richard Lambourne
16 Christopher Dowling
17 Hefyn Owen
18 Mike Carter
19 Will Loder
20 Adrian Morris
21 Lee Jennings
22 Dave Madsen Mygdal
23 Andrew Cowie
24 Jason Burrill
Words by Stevie Rial
