The 2011 Ulster Grand Prix came to a thrilling conclusion today with a full schedule of races that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Honda TT Legends contested both Superbike races, with Keith Amor securing two podium finishes for the team.
After a red flag and re-start due to wet weather, the opening Superbike race finally went ahead in dry conditions just before 3.30pm. Honda TT Legends’ Keith Amor started from the front row and after a strong start he became embroiled in a fierce battle for first with Guy Martin.
The pair swapped places throughout the shortened five-lap race, with Keith eventually crossing the line in second place on track. However, Bruce Anstey – who started the race from the front row in the second wave of riders – won the race on timings, forcing Martin into second and Amor into third.
The second Superbike race of the day saw Amor in close contention for the podium spots with Martin, William Dunlop, Cameron Donald and Gary Johnson. By lap three Amor had dropped into fourth place but after a determined fight, he pushed his way back through the field to finish in second behind Martin.
John McGuinness had a less fortunate day after a hole in his bike’s radiator forced him to retire from race one. Despite the team’s best efforts, the issue could not be repaired in time for the start of race two, but McGuinness still headed out from the pit lane at the back of the field and placed 17th.
Keith Amor
Race one was great. I led on and off on the road but I knew that if Bruce got a clear run he’d be hard to beat because he was starting from the second wave with nobody in front of him to mess it up. It was always going to be tough but it was really enjoyable. Guy and I were swapping paint and places pretty much every lap. The team did a great job changing the set up for the second race and it was shame that the conditions were iffy. I didn't have the best tyre on for the job but I hung in there. I was in a battle with William and Cameron, which was enjoyable but Guy got away. It was just one of those days. Big thanks to Honda and Dunlop.
John McGuinness
I was really enjoying the first race – it was ace. I was hanging in there and I was going as fast as the leaders but with a lap or two to go I had to stop. We later found out that it was a hole in the radiator. The team did a mega job repairing it but we were just a few minutes too late to get on the grid. I spoke to the organiser and said shall I just go out at the back of the pack and show the fans that we didn’t come here not to do our job. I actually enjoyed it a bizarre way, just riding round with no pressure – I revved up the crowd a bit and it was good. It’s been a tough week though.
