By Similar in pace to modern day Supersport 600’s, the bulky, ultra quick yesteryear Superbikes since 2013 have dazzled, excited, captivated the pure road racing fraternity at the Classic TT Races.
Throughout the past three years no less than 26 racers have topped the 120 mph lap mark on a range of exotic, priceless steeds.
Current existing Superbike Classic TT lap record holder is none other than Bruce Anstey. The legendary New Zealander in 2017 on route to securing a third event podium finish aboard the Padgetts YZR 500 Yamaha, lapped at an incredible 127.496 mph.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Race victor in 2017 in front of Anstey, Silicone Engineering Racing’s Dean Harrison, also topped the 127 mph lap barrier, registering a best lap speed of 127.212 mph.
Just a further three racers have recorded at least one lap speed averaging over 125 mph, they are nine times Macau Grand Prix winner Michael Rutter (125.628), 19 times TT winner Michael Dunlop (125.626) and reigning RST Superbike Classic TT Champion David Johnson (125.150).
Rounding out the top ten fastest class exponents since 2017 are 2013 Lightweight TT victor James Hillier (124.921), the much missed Dan Kneen (124.798), 2014 TT Privateers Championship winner Horst Saiger (124.745), triple Irish Road Race Superbike Champion Derek Sheils (124.494) and ten times TT rostrum finisher Conor Cummins (124.321).
Competitors not mentioned yet with lap speeds over the 120 mph lap mark on Superbike Classic TT machinery, read as follows:
PreZ Racing’s Jamie Coward (124.229), twice Supersport TT victor Gary Johnson (123.864), Andy Dudgeon (123.024), Ivan Lintin (122.947), Australia’s fastest Mountain Course pilot Josh Brookes (122.926).
Ryan Kneen (122.692), Paul Jordan (122.445), Rob Hodson (122.121), the late but great William Dunlop (122.002), Martin Jones Racing’s Michael Sweeney (121.341).
Phil Crowe (121.279), World Supersport’s Danny Webb (121.042), the always remembered Dan Hegarty (120.522), current IRRC Superbike series Champion Davey Todd (120.420), Dan Stewart (120.371) and three times Manx GP winner Michael Evans (120.113).
Words by Stevie Rial
