Solid start for Cummins in Dainese Superbike TT

Conor Cummins had a successful opening day at TT2013 taking fifth in the six-lap Dainese Superbike TT.

Conor Cummins had a successful opening day at TT2013 taking fifth in the six-lap Dainese Superbike TT.

Despite limited track time due to inclement weather during practice week, both riders lapped in excess of 128mph from a standing start on lap one. Cummins upped his pace and posted an even more impressive lap of 129.091mph on his Milwaukee Yamaha R1 on lap 4. 

Cummins said: “The first one and a half laps I was just finding my feet, but I know I can do 130mph on this bike and match the front guys. It just takes a while to get comfy and find your confidence, but the boys are doing a great job on the bikes and with a bit more work we can be up there on Friday in the Senior. My ideal lap time is just shy of 130mph and I know where I need to be going faster. If we can calm the thing that little bit more then I’m very confident we will not be far away.”

Team Owner Shaun Muir concluded: “I’m really happy we were able to get six laps under our belt with both riders, as unlike many of the other manufacturers, we’ve really only had a handful of laps to get data from the Milwaukee Yamaha R1. The boys were on identical pace on that first lap with impressive 128mph lap times. William deserved a top eight and would have done that, only for the pit lane penalty, but he’s learnt a lot to take into Friday.

“Conor has been battling with set-up and it was far from ideal, so to do 129.091mph is a fantastic effort and shows the potential of the Milwaukee Yamaha R1. We have more to try on Wednesday night in the practice session before the Senior, so I really believe we will see Conor back in the 130s and challenging for a podium.”

Dainese Superbike TT [6 laps]

1: Michael Dunlop [Honda] 

2: Cameron Donald [Honda]

3: John McGuinness [Honda]

4: Guy Martin [Suzuki]

5: Conor Cummins [Milwaukee Yamaha]

6: Michael Rutter [Honda]

7: James Hillier [Kawasaki]

8: Bruce Anstey [Honda]

9: William Dunlop [Milwaukee Yamaha]

10: Josh Brookes [Suzuki]

Today’s (Monday) Races commence with the four lap Monster Energy Supersport Race 1 at 10.45am, followed by the four lap Royal London Superstock race.

For more information visit www.milwaukeeyamaha.com