Rochdale man wins Manx Grand Prix

Philip McGurk at the Manx Grand Prix

A Rochdale man has won the Ultra Lightweight Manx Grand Prix in race record time – on a bike he purpose built for the race.

Phil McGurk of Spring Court Motorcycle Centre set a new lap and race record time as he stormed to victory in the Ultra Lightweights Class in the race.

The Rochdale rider rode his 650cc Kawasaki and set a lap record of 112.572 mph, and an overall race record of 1 hour, 21 minutes.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Mr McGurk said: “It has been nine years of hard work but it isn’t just the new lap time and new race time it is that I built the bike from nothing especially for this.

“It is an amazing result and it really is the fruits of a long toil.”

Mr McGurk’s family holds some history in the Isle of Man as his father used to race in the TT races.

Mr McGurk added: “I could tell it had gone well in practice, but you never know where you will finish.

“Lots of my friends and family and people from Springcourt made sure they were over there which is really good.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy who visited the Isle of Man during the practice week said: ““Congratulations to Philip for his excellent win setting new lap and race record over the Isle of Man mountain course – I managed to have a chat with Phil in the paddocks over the race practice week and I am proud a Rochdale Man has achieved such distinction – again – well done Phil.”