TT 2017: Dunlop storms Senior TT (as Hickman takes Championship)

Michael Dunlop put in an incredible four laps around the Mountain course today, to win the 2017 Senior TT – as Peter Hickman finishes second, taking his fifth podium of the week, meaning he’s the winner of the Joey Dunlop Championship trophy. Dean Harrison came in third.

Following Ian Hutchinson’s accident at the 37^th mile of the TT course, which resulted in a full course red flag, TT organisers made the decision to re-start the race, this time with four instead of six laps. Thankfully, Hutchy is ok – he’s concious in Nobles Hospital, having suffered a fractured femur.  

After a short break, to allow the track to be cleared of debris, the race re-started, with Michael Dunlop taking the lead early on, despite Peter Hickman’s fantastic start to the first race. Dunlop passed through Glen Helen 1.5 seconds faster than Bruce Anstey, with a big pack of talented riders, including Dean Harrison, Peter Hickman, Michael Rutter and James Hillier very close behind.

By Ramsey, Dunlop was still in the lead, a couple of seconds ahead of Hickman, with Anstey and Harrison still hot on their heels – and by Glen Helen on lap two, Michael Dunlop had put 6.2 seconds between himself and Hickman, while Dean Harrison had jumped into third, 2.9 seconds ahead of Bruce Anstey.

Coming into the pits at the end of the second lap, Dunlop had put 9.2 seconds between himself and Hickman, with Dean Harrison in third place, 7.2 seconds behind – while Dean Anstey retired with a blown engine. Everything got a little hectic in the pits, with Michael Dunlop in first, David Johnson in and out quick, followed closely by Hickman and Harrison.

Hickman had an especially good time in the pits, managing to pull back a few seconds on Michael Dunlop, and by Glen Helen on lap three; the gap was down to 7.7 seconds – while Dean Harrison trailed 12.2 seconds behind.  Through the third lap, Dunlop gradually pulled away from Hickman and Harrison, and passing Granstand, led Hickman by 10.6, who was 15.2 seconds ahead of Harrison.

At Glen Helen on the final lap, Dunlop had kept up the pace, extending his lead at the front, while Dean Harrison picked up the pace behind Hickman. By Ramsey, Dunlop was still holding onto a comfortable lead, 11 seconds ahead of Hickman, who was 11 seconds ahead of Dean Harrison.

Michael Dunlop stormed through the final half of the final lap of the Senior TT, and came into the Grandstand 13.3 seconds ahead of Peter Hickman – while Dean Harrison finishes the podium in third place.

Speaking to Manx Radio TT, a very happy Michael Dunlop said; ‘I told you, bring me here on anything, I’ll win it – I can’t say enough to my time, brand new motorbike, never missed a beat, what can I say.’