TT2014: McGuinness sets 117mph lap on electric bike
John McGuinness finally had something to smile about at the 2014 Isle of Man TT as the Morecambe man won the TT Zero race in a new record time to earn his 21st victory.
McGuinness took the honours from team-mate Bruce Anstey by 23 seconds after the one-lap race to complete a one-two for Japanese firm Mugen, setting a new lap record at a stunning 117.366mph.
The 42-year-old has been forced to withdraw from Wednesday's second Supersport race as he battles a wrist injury and will make a decision later over whether or not he will compete in Friday's six-lap Senior TT.
A relieved McGuinness said: "That's not hanging about on a battery. You might like them or you might not like them, but I was riding hard there.
"In some of the corners you'd probably be doing ten or 15mph more than you would on a Superbike. It's just a shame there's not ten of us in there or it would be a tight race.
"I was having a go and it as so enjoyable for me as a rider to be involved in this project. It's been the third year and I've missed out the last couple of years so it's great to get one and I think we deserve it," he added.
"The lap speed is incredible to go from 102mph, to 109mph and now 117mph - where's it going to end? I'm over the moon and it's been a tough week for me."
Runner-up Anstey was a safe second, with Robert Barber - the winner of the inaugural clean emissions race at the TT in 2009 - finishing third.
Anstey said: "It was a good race and John got a good start on me and once I saw it was nine seconds I just thought I'd bring it home and make sure both bikes get back.
"It was good fun but there was a few spots on rain going into Ramsey somewhere but the track is looking quite good for the Supersport race.
"All credit to the guys because I broke my bike in practice and they worked straight for 48 hours to fix it and did a fantastic job."
Last year's winner Michael Rutter was missing from the line-up with American company Motoczysz having no representation at the TT this year.
