TT 2017: Hillier makes up for Superbike disappointment

Full report below from BSN

James Hillier made up for the disappointment of yesterday’s Superbike TT race when a faulty fuel filler cost him 18s and dropped him from second to fourth, to claim second in Monday’s Supersport TT race for his tenth podium in total.

The JG Speedfit Kawasaki was again the quickest rider on the nine-mile run to Glen Helen despite far from ideal conditions and an opening lap of of 124.743mph gave him a slender 0.397s lead over eventual winner Michael Dunlop.

There was still only 2.4s in it at half race distance but Dunlop edged away in the second half of the race although Hillier was still pleased with the outcome.

“I tried to forget what happened in the Superbike race and with the weather forecast being what it was, I didn’t think we’d be racing today so probably slept better than I normally would,” said Hillier, speaking after the race.

“Today was a new day and we’d found a really good setting with the bike during practice, hardly having to make any changes at all, but it was a bit tricky on the first lap as you couldn’t be sure where the damp patches were.

“The marshals did a great job with the flags but you were riding a bit blind and I perhaps played it a bit too safe through the damp stuff. I tried to ride as clever as possible and it’s always nice to jump on the 600 after wrestiling the Superbike for six laps. Your eyeballs are constantly spinning around so I really enjoyed today’s race.

“I was obviously disappointed after what happened yesterday but it was out of our hands and once Michael started to edge away, I looked after the bike on the final lap. The wind was strong over the Mountain but I felt comfortable and wanted to be on the podium again. It’s what I want every time I go out and you never tire of being waved into the winner’s enclosure.”

Image source: Impact Images