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RACE REPORT - 2006 ISLE OF MAN TT (10 June 2006)
Cameron Donald 2nd Place 2006 Senior TT.
On Friday 9th June, Australian Cameron Donald has
finished 2nd place in the Senior TT, the main event at
the 2006 Isle of Man TT.
Riding his Robinson’s Concrete/Honda Fireblade for Uel Duncan
racing, Cameron completed the mountain course in an amazing 1h
47.59 minutes. His fastest lap time was a 128.44mph, breaking the
lap record set in the Superbike race earlier in the week and ending
up recording the third fastest lap in the 99-year race
history.
This was Cameron’s second attempt at the TT, last year he rode as a
newcomer in the 600 Supersport class only. He finished with the
Best Newcomer award and a silver replica. This year he raced in the
Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes for Uel Duncan
Racing.
Like the rest of race week, the Isle of Man was blessed with
glorious sunshine and the heat was at its highest during the 6 lap
main event. The rider line up for this years TT was brimming with
top riders with factory backed teams making for some of the closest
racing in the events history.
As expected, the opening lap was incredibly close with six riders
being separated by only six seconds; Cameron managed to jump
straight into third position and maintain that lead for the first
lap, clocking a 127+ mph lap from a standing start.
Lap two saw Donald take second position and hold this for the
remaining 5 laps, to bring home second place.
“I am just elated with the result. This is my first year on the
Superbike and I didn’t get much time on the bike during practice
week as we had a few mechanical problems. Luckily these were all
sorted out and to come home with second place is unbelievable.
Beyond all my expectations for this year.
I felt good on the bike from the very first lap and I thought if I
can put in a quick first lap I just might be up there with a
chance. Second place is just amazing!
The Robinson’s Concrete Honda didn’t miss a beat and everyone in
the team has worked really hard to have everything prepared. A huge
thank you to the whole Uel Duncan team and everyone
involved.”
The TT is held over a two-week period. The first being practice
week with practice sessions each night. The first race was last
Saturday 3rd June6, which was the Superbike TT. Cameron
finished an impressive 5th position even with bike
troubles. Next was the Superstock race on Monday 5th
June and Cam finished 13th place. The Junior Supersport
TT was held on Wednesday 7th June and Cameron finished
5th.
“It’s been a huge week. To even complete four races at the TT is an
achievement in itself. The course really takes its toll on the
bikes so to finish with four Silver replicas from four starts is
great.
It’s been so long since Australia has been represented at the TT,
which is such a huge international event with a 99-year history. It
was great to see so many Australian flags around the course. I
can’t wait for 2007, the centenary TT where I’ll be aiming for the
top spot on that podium!
Cameron’s next race is the Bush road race held in Northern Ireland
on the 24th June 2006.
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