The 48 year old from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, had a race long dice with Yamaha's David Jefferies before the Yorkshireman's engine expired at the start of lap 5. Dunlop gradually increased his advantage over 2^nd placed rider Michael Rutter to emerge victorious and a standing ovation from the Grandstand.

"That was heavy work but I enjoyed it, I don't know how I did it but I had a couple of slides early on on the damp patches" said Dunlop after bringing the Honda Britain liveried Demon Vimto Honda SP1 to his latest victory.

But perhaps the ride of the race came from 26 year old Morecambe rider John McGuinness who in only his second outing on the Superbike romped to an incredible rostrum position when he took a brilliant third place aboard the Demon Vimto Honda VTR SP1.

McGuinness took advantage of Jefferies' demise also to easily claim the last position on the rostrum and fulfil another of his TT dreams. "I always thought I could do it and Honda gave me the bike so I could come up with the goods. I was just going at my own pace and thought top six would be good but top three is absolutely brilliant" said a delighted McGuinness.

As the two Honda riders were presented with their garlands on the rostrum by Sports Minister Kate Hoey, she declared "This is the most exciting sporting occasion I have been to. Congratulations must go to all involved."

Team Owner Paul Bird was delighted with the result. "Brilliant, absolutely fantastic. We came here to win this title back for Honda and we did so."

Results

Fastest Lap - Ian Lougher - 122.21mph