James at St Ninians on his way to what was a disappointing end to his Senior Race

James Hillier’s campaign at the 2018 Isle of Man TT Races ended on a disappointing note this afternoon (Friday 8th June) when the Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider was forced to retire from the Senior race, the final event of this year’s meeting.

The 33-year old came into the race in confident mood after taking two podiums and two other top-five finishes earlier in the week. With good conditions all around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, the entire team was more than hopeful of another podium position.

After an ideal start James put himself in contention immediately and through Glen Helen on the first of the six-laps, nine miles into the lap and the first sector, he was holding onto fourth place, just two and a half seconds behind third placed Michael Dunlop and only four and a half seconds adrift of race leader Dean Harrison.

However, just four miles further down the road, the Hampshire rider was forced out of the race after the bike bottomed out at the Bottom of Barregarrow. Despite having had no issues through there at any other time during the fortnight, the impact on this occasion caused the sump to crack and Hillier pulled the bike up at Westwood, his race unfortunately over before it had truly got going.

Peter Hickman went on to win the race, setting a new outright lap record of 135.452mph with Dean Harrison in second and Conor Cummins third.

James Hillier said:

“I knew the pace was going to be hot today and while 134 to 135mph was probably going to be out of my reach, I felt I could have pushed for the final podium position.

“I made a conscious effort to have a real good go on the first lap and felt like I’d put a good first sector together which was borne out in the time. I was just settling into the race but when I went through the Bottom of Barregarrow, there was a big bang and a lot of smoke.

“I thought initially it may have been the tyre but it turned out the sump had cracked. I pulled in at Westwood but my race was over before it had really begun.

“It’s a real disappointing way to end the fortnight but I’ve had two podiums and two more top-five finishes so I’m happy enough and it’s been a good event. The team, as always, have done a brilliant job.”

Team Owner Pete Extance said:

“Today has been a disappointing end to what had been a really strong week for James and the Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki team. We certainly felt that with the way James was riding a podium was a possibility and that could be seen in his time through the first sector. Unfortunately, his race ended soon after and with the way the race went, a third place would have been up for grabs.

“It was a real shame but, more importantly, James was safe after the incident and the whole team can be happy with their performances throughout the week.

“The lap times were good in all classes and James came away with two podiums, a fourth and a fifth and they’re great results for the team. We now turn attention back to the British Superbike Championship and we’ll be hoping Leon Haslam and Luke Mossey can chalk up more wins and podiums.”

Round four of the British Superbike Championship takes place at Snetterton, Norfolk from 15th to 17th June.