2006 Manx Grand Prix : Aka take MGP Double

Aka takes MGP double

TT Star Ian Hutchinson was on hand to guide his best friend Craig Atkinson to an historic double success at the Manx Grand Prix, by winning the Senior Race on the Martin Bullock Raceteam Suzuki, adding to his Junior success. Atkinson became the first rider to win two of the main Manx Grand Prix Races in seven years, the last man to do that being Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle, who coincidentally was also backed by Bullock at the time.

There was no repeat of the titanic battle from the Junior Race this time, with ‘Aka’ using the power advantage of his 750cc Suzuki to good effect to hold off the challenge from the man who pushed him all the way on Wednesday, Derek Brien. Brien held second throughout on his 600cc Kawasaki with Manxman Stephen Oates third, making up for his disappointment in Wednesday’s Junior when he was forced to retire.

Ride of the day though came from newcomer Shane Connor, who, starting at number 38, scythed through the heavy traffic in front of him to finish an excellent fourth place at the flag, just 21 seconds off the podium in the feature race on his Mountain Circuit debut. A bright future around the 37 and ¾ strip of race track awaits the young Irishman.

[Senior Race - Results]

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