Bruce Anstey was in philosophical mood after finishing second in yesterday’s Motorsport Merchandise Formula One TT, a new lap record of 126.261mph - the fastest ever two-stroke lap of the Mountain Course - seeing him take the lead only for a loose exhaust causing him to make an extra pit stop.

The exhaust needed to be lock wired at his scheduled pit stop when he was leading eventual winner Michael Dunlop by twelve seconds but it worked its way loose again on the third lap and, in danger of being black flagged, he made it to the pits where Valvoline Racing team boss Clive Padgett fixed it with a coat hanger. Despite losing over a minute, the Kiwi rejoined the race in fourth and fought his way back up to second at the chequered flag.

Speaking afterwards, Anstey told bikesportnews.com: “The bike was absolutely flying and a lap of 126mph isn’t bad going for a 20-year old bike. It was a good race and although the bike was a little bit sluggish to begin with, once I got going and into my rhythm, it was really, really enjoyable. I didn’t have many signals out on the course so didn’t know how hard to push but I got a nice lead and everything was looking good.

“The exhaust had come ever so slightly loose and the lock wire at the refuelling stop looked like it had done the trick but it came loose again. I knew it was going to be tight but managed to get to the pits just before I got black flagged from the race. Clive worked a bit more magic and I rode my heart out on the final lap so to end up second is pretty good going and I’m happy enough.”