SENIOR TT JOY FOR JOSH BROOKES AND DAO RACING

Josh Brookes and DAO Racing took to the Senior TT podium in a shortened blue-ribband event, after a red flag on lap two would cut short the race as Brookes sat third. Due to poor weather on Saturday causing issues, the decision was taken to cancel the event meaning DAO Racing and Josh Brookes would take third place.

After a number of challenging days due to inclement weather on the Isle of Man, the organisers moved their Senior TT to Friday afternoon, to avoid any further disruption to racing activity. At 6:26pm, Brookes and his DAO Racing Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade roared down Bray Hill in search of success.

As he arrived at Ramsey hairpin on the opening lap, Brookes sat third in the race, 1.5 seconds ahead of his nearest rival Ian Hutchinson, and as they climbed the Mountain section he continued to open that gap over the Yorkshireman.

After several green sectors around the lap, Brookes crossed the line after the opening 37.73-miles in a time of 17:02.997, at an average speed of 132.775, his fastest lap of the week.

Once again, just like the opening lap, he continued to push hard setting new personal best sectors along the way and by Ramsey hairpin he held a 9.4 second gap over Hutchy, and looked to close down the 11.4 seconds difference to Peter Hickman who laid ahead.

However, as he approached the Gooseneck, the organisers put out a red flag due to an incident at the 11^th milestone, which would force a postponement to the race.

A fresh four-lap Senior TT was planned for Saturday, however, poor weather conditions would see a cancelation to the event, meaning a result would be declared after the opening lap, seeing Brookes take third place.

Josh Brookes: “I think I speak for everyone that we aren’t pleased with the loss of races, the loss of laps and the lack of sunshine during race week, but we have to focus on what did go well for us as a team, we got away without any accidents, we had clean pit-stops, everyone in the team worked to the highest standard.

“We showed ourselves in the best way possible, we had the best looking bike on the grid, we had 100% success rate through technical checks, everything we have done has been to the highest of standards, and that is credit to the team. They have worked so hard during these last two weeks, I can’t thank them enough.

“For myself personally I have matched some my best sectors, in tricky conditions, and finished the week off in third place of the Senior TT. It was a strong third place as well, I wasn’t fading away, we were making progress during the race and I’m proud of our achievements. I just want to put on record my thanks to all the event staff, marshals and fans who have stuck by us this week, they make this event what it is and without them none of this would be possible.”

Team manager Jonny Bagnall: “Even though the event has ended in a way nobody would have wanted, I’m still extremely proud of the team and delighted with the result. To come away from our first TT since 2023 with a third place in the senior, and fourth place in the Superbike race is a testament to the team, to how hard we all work and the results we can achieve.

“Josh rode incredibly well all week, he battled issues and work closely with the crew to improve the package. To be where we were in the final race, pushing hard for second, achieving a 132.775 lap from a standing start, honestly, it’s ended on a high and I’m delighted for everyone.”