McGuinness edges nearer Joey's record tally

After numerous podiums, it was his first win in the class and he beat Michael Dunlop by 7.8s, the Northern Irishman overhauling fellow countryman Ryan Farquhar in the closing stages.

The evening start time of 6.30pm saw perfect conditions around the Mountain Course although the sun that had caused problems during practice again proved awkward for riders.

After a tremendous battle McGuinness took take his second win of the week by just under eight seconds, while Dunlop’s 129mph lap saw him get his first podium of the week.

Bruce Anstey, Guy Martin and James Hillier took the next three places with Michael Rutter, Gary Johnson, Dan Stewart and Cameron Donald completing the top 10.

The results mean that McGuinness has gone back to the top of the TT Championship with 63 points to Anstey’s 54 and Donald’s 46. 

Meanwhile, Stewart was again the lead privateer and he has opened up a healthy lead in the Privateer’s Championship with 63 points compared to second placed Stefano Bonetti’s 36.

All eyes will now be on tomorrow’s second Supersport and while McGuinness will not start favourite in the 600cc class, he cannot be ruled out on this form. 

A number of leading riders currently empty handed will be looking to make their mark on this year’s meeting with Donald and the Dunlop brothers in particular keen to record their first victories this year while Anstey will be hoping to add to his Supersport 1 victory.