TT 2014: McGuinness opens account in TT Zero race

John McGuinness has opened his account at the 2014 Isle of Man TT race by taking the victory in the SES TT Zero race on the Mugen Shinden bike, beating off his teammate Bruce Anstey to win by over twenty seconds.

McGuinness also achieved the team’s goal of a lap over 115mph average, setting a new lap record for the Zero class of 117.366 as well as lapping in under twenty minutes.

Third place was Robert Barber, winner of the first Zero race, ahead of Robert Wilson and Mark Miller, the only other finishers in the class.

Speaking afterwards, McGuinness admitted that the race had been his best chance of the race, as his wrist injury continues to cause him problems

“That’s not hanging about on a battery, is it? I was riding hard and the corner speed at some corners was 10-15mph quicker than on a superbike. I was having a go and it is so enjoyable as a rider to be involved in this project. I’ve missed out on wins over the last couple of years and it’s good to get one. The speeds have increased so much and where’s it going to end?”

“I’ve been in a lot of pain this week, and it’s a TT win so I’ll take it. It’s 21 wins now and it’s getting there. We all say 26, but we’ll see. I think that’s the end of my wins this week. I’ll be back fitter, lighter, stronger for next year and give these guys a run for their money.”