Ian Lougher rounded off
his Isle of Man TT with an excellent fourth place finish in the Blue
Riband Senior TT event. It was just rewards for the popular Welshman
following some determined performances earlier in the week which
included two top ten finishes.
Riding the Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike, Ian had been lying 12th in
the first race when it was red-flagged after Guy Martin crashed out in
the Ballagarey area on the third lap and it was decided to re-run the
race over four laps.
An opening lap of 127.52mph put Ian in 7th
place as he set off down Bray Hill for the second circuit, then at Glen
Helen on the second lap John McGuinness retired which moved Ian up a
place in the standings. Ian was in fifth as the riders came in for their
pit stop and positions remained unchanged on the third lap with Ian
riding strongly, this was emphasised on the final lap when he recorded
his fastest lap of the race at 127.98mph to bring the ZX-10R home in
fourth place.
An excellent result
for Ian, however celebrations were subdued when it emerged that
Blackhorse Kawasaki's BSB Superstock 1000 rider Conor Cummins had
crashed out at the Verandah on the second lap.
The Manxman was airlifted to hospital with arm, back and leg injuries and everyone associated with the team wishes Conor a speedy recovery.
In recent years the Isle of Man TT has become only Ian's second race meeting of the season and the 2010 event once again saw him competing at the highest level with three top ten finishes from five starts and a fastest lap 128.22mph.
Ian Lougher: "Overall I was pleased with my performances during the 2010 TT races.
The 600 unfortunately was a bit down on speed and we tried to find a good set-up for the Superbike which is very difficult on such a long demanding course as the TT circuit. The racing has become so competitive and to be in the top ten in three of the races is no mean feat. I had a few eventful moments during the Senior TT race with the big bike doing its level best to pitch me off at the top of Bray Hill and Union Mills and a bird also had an argument with the screen of my ZX-10R up on the mountain section.
But to finish fourth in the Senior TT was a very pleasing result which was overshadowed somewhat by Conor's crash on the second lap. Thankfully he is 'ok' and we all wish him well. The TT is very much a big team effort at Blackhorse Kawasaki and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and support throughout the fortnight."
The Manxman was airlifted to hospital with arm, back and leg injuries and everyone associated with the team wishes Conor a speedy recovery.
In recent years the Isle of Man TT has become only Ian's second race meeting of the season and the 2010 event once again saw him competing at the highest level with three top ten finishes from five starts and a fastest lap 128.22mph.
Ian Lougher: "Overall I was pleased with my performances during the 2010 TT races.
The 600 unfortunately was a bit down on speed and we tried to find a good set-up for the Superbike which is very difficult on such a long demanding course as the TT circuit. The racing has become so competitive and to be in the top ten in three of the races is no mean feat. I had a few eventful moments during the Senior TT race with the big bike doing its level best to pitch me off at the top of Bray Hill and Union Mills and a bird also had an argument with the screen of my ZX-10R up on the mountain section.
But to finish fourth in the Senior TT was a very pleasing result which was overshadowed somewhat by Conor's crash on the second lap. Thankfully he is 'ok' and we all wish him well. The TT is very much a big team effort at Blackhorse Kawasaki and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and support throughout the fortnight."