RACE REPORT - 2006 ISLE OF MAN TT

June 10th 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.

more info here http://www.camerondonald.com/